Black Scoter - Uk (1 Viewer)

[bonxie birder]

Not a usual posting on this thread.

I‘ve tried for this bird on each of the last two days. Despite others finding it, I have failed on both occasions, seeing only common scoter. I‘m looking for an obvious yellow knob. One bird looked very yellow-billed head on but Collins suggests that Common have a yellow bill appearance from some distance. Is there something I’m missing? Am I seeing it, but not picking it out? In both days the light has been fairly poor.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

In my experience of Black Scoter, if you're not sure then it isn't one. They yellow is far more extensive than any Common.

 

[bonxie birder]

There are common scoter and someone else is picking it out. I’m just wondering what I’m missing?

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

I have no experience with Black Scoter, but here a some pictures that show vagrant Black Scoters among Common Scoter: https://club300.de/gallery/?gal=0&mode=1&id=174
Hope its helpfull finding it

 

[Deb Burhinus]

There aren’t scoter and someone else is picking it out. I’m just wondering what I’m missing?

Bonxie, I think you might find a read of this article helpful

Focus On: identifying Black Scoters in all plumages

Now very much on the rarity-finder's radar, males differ enough to enable a relatively straightforward identification given good views. Leading identification expert Martin Garner provides the definitive criteria for males, and offers fresh insights into separating females and immatures, both of...

www.birdguides.com

This video refresher might also help

Good luck if you try again!

 

[Southern Frogmouth]

The only advice I can offer is when I went looking for one off the north coast of Wales I made sure there was a southerly wind so that the bird was tending to face towards us - then it was easy to pick out.

Good luck next time.

Roy

 

[bonxie birder]

The only advice I can offer is when I went looking for one off the north coast of Wales I made sure there was a southerly wind so that the bird was tending to face towards us - then it was easy to pick out.

Good luck next time.

Roy

Interestingly I saw that bird and remember picking it up almost immediately

 

[bonxie birder]

Thanks everyone for your tips

 

[bonxie birder]

I have no experience with Black Scoter, but here a some pictures that show vagrant Black Scoters among Common Scoter: https://club300.de/gallery/?gal=0&mode=1&id=174
Hope its helpfull finding it

Thank you, I think I can safely say I didn’t see it.

Most bird photos you come across are close up single bird shots, but these ones are the view you would normally get when out birding, so are very helpful, as they show a direct comparison with the birds you are actually likely to see them with.