March 2 Email:
It was a lovely day at the Muskegon Channel this afternoon. Even the ordinary Mallards looked stunning in the sunshine. I attached a Scaup. I don't know whether it's a greater or lesser. I don't know how to tell the difference! I have a question about the last two ducks. Are they both Common Goldeneye? I've never seen a female one without the little orangeish tip on the end of the bill. Thanks!
- Roxanne Eacker
Thanks, Roxanne. It looks like a Greater Scaup (rounded top of head, not pointed) and two female Common Goldeneyes to me. I don't know if the orangish-bill tip indicates anything or not. Check the comments later to see if someone lets us know. - Ric
3 comments:
Both Goldeneyes are Common. The first one, with the orange bill tip, is an adult female. The second one, with the all dark bill, is a juvenile.
A-ha! Thank you!
Roxanne
If you see a goldeneye that has yellow covering 3/4 or more of the beak, it would be a Barrow's.
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