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Message: <blockquote data-quote="choughed2bits" data-source="post: 1532049" data-attributes="member: 58712">Hi Mark, I know what you are saying about some dispicable tufties displaying similar markings and was conscious of that at the time of seeing the bird. However, is it not the case that the scaup facial markings tend to be more obvious and larger? Please feel free to educate me if i'm off the mark tho'. I am by no means 100% sure and am always glad of some pointers from people wi more experience. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite9" alt=":eek:" title="Eek!    :eek:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":eek:" />)And i admit that i wasn't nearly close enough to make out the nail on the bill and my view was obscured by some reedy growth. But for a laissez-faire birder like me, a "nearly", albeit unconfirmed was exciting enough and i will certainly be on the look out for the same bird next time i am up there. Even if it transpired not to be a scaup with young, it brought be great joy at the time of watching it, which wasn't at all overshadowed by the stilt sandpiper in front of the visitor centre. Great place strathbeg. :t:Well, this weather looks minging for nought but ducks this weekend.Happy birding, Kevps. love the blog Mark.</blockquote>