Just an FYI-
I thought about it and then looked at some bad photos I took of the Scaup I saw at Centennial lake today, and changed the ID diagnosis to Greater Scaup. The reason is when I thought about it, they appeared larger than the Ring-necked ducks present. When I inspected them, it was at 60x in wind. When the wind calmed down, I took some distance photos. I went back and looked at these, and indeed, the head shape looks much better for Greater Scaup. I posted a few 100% crop photos. Though bad, I think they show a good case for Greater Scaup. This is just an FYI as this seems to be a pretty good bird for the lake. Thx, Jon.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thrasher72/5219334991/
-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jon Corcoran
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2010 5:16 PM
To:
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Centennial Lake
Hello,
I worked an early shift today so , inspired by Jim's post, decided to head out to the Columbia lakes. At Lake Elkhorn, I ran into nothing but feral geese and mallards, possibly because of the dredging activity. Centennial Lake had more happening. The first thing I witnessed on arrival, was a dog fight between a Merlin and a Fish Crow out over the lake. This was real cool to see and ended with the Merlin being driven off over the tree line and the Fish Crow perching. There was a pod of ducks in the middle, towards the dam. I was able to get good views through the scope of a Redhead drake (Same possibly as Elkhorn?), a Lesser Scaup hen and drake, Ring-necked and Ruddy Ducks as well. Unfortunately, no photos transpired, as the wind and wave ripple, cuppled with the distance didn't allow for any photos. Towards the preserve area, around the islands, there was a large flock (flocks) of Canade Geese. Within this flock, I was able to pull out a Cackling Goose (Richardson's?), hen Pintail, and a hen Hooded Merganser associating with 3 Ring-necked Ducks. No Grebes or Buffleheads onsite, which surprised me. I was able to get a photo of the Cackling Goose, which was it. There may have been a few more Cackling Geese that I missed. The Canadas ran on the small side, and I heard some funny honks coming from within the flock. The large flocks were very skittished and promptly moved out when I approached the bank. Unfortunately no Redhead photos, although it was nice to see!
Jon Corcoran
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thrasher72/5219201010/in/set-72157624855813908/
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