More Lesser Scaup photos

Some more photos of the Lesser Scaup... although appearing to have a purple sheen on the head in overcast conditions, it often looked green in the sun. A good reminder that the purple sheen, said to be typical of Lesser Scaup, is not a reliable characteristic.

Libby commented on the puffed out cheeks of this bird (visible in the 4th photo below) and, in fact, the prominent cheeks are characteristic of both Lesser Scaup and its fellow North American cousin, the Ring-necked Duck. So much so that some Danish birders liken these birds to 'Dizzy' Gillespie, the famous jazz musician. You can see why by clicking here... Quite a good likeness!