ML646559732

Observation details

First Gwinnett scoters since 2023, all scoter species are Casual (not even annual Rare) at best in Gwinnett. - - - FYI: Rare/Casual/Accidental American Birding Association (ABA) Example: Rare: Occurs in very low numbers, but annually. Casual: Not recorded annually. Six or more total records—including three or more in the past 30 years. Accidental: Recorded five or fewer times, or fewer than three records in the past 30 years. The Georgia Ornithological Society (GOS) also has rarity code information for Georgia. - - - Always tightly together, these ducks were still off the tip of Lanier Park at end of session at about 34.1593637, -84.0524077. - - - Heading south at 4:40 these three birds conveniently swam past right behind the Red-throated Loon while I was phonescoping the loon causing me to soon switch targets! In the shimmer, observed out on the very edge of, and slightly beyond, the range of the phonescope to capture footage in the gray late evening light. Seen a little better than videoed. Reviewing the footage I believe all three of these birds are the same scoter species. Not always with heads up especially at the same time. - - - Large and dark sea ducks with heavy more triangular sloping bills, and two light spots (sometimes very hard to see at the range) on each side of the head, one mostly vertical, and one mostly horizontal. White nape patch visible as well on at least one bird. No white in the wings detected. Females or young males. Hopefully they’ll stick around a bit and folks will get to see them closer and in much better lighting conditions for much better looks.