Greater Scaup drake at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Greater Scaup drake – Nikon D810, f8, 1.500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

It was crisp, clear and very cold yesterday morning at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge where I saw a low of 8°F but it was great being back there. The Bear River had ice on it and so did many of the units on the auto tour route. I was hoping to see my first Bald Eagles or Tundra Swans of the winter season there but that did not happen. I did see loads of ducks.

This Greater Scaup drake is making the transition into his breeding plumage and was in among American Coots, a resting female scaup, Pied-Billed Grebes and a single Canvasback. It had warmed up to about 14°F by the time I found them and the coots were actively feeding. It is a challenge at time to isolate just one bird when they are grouped up like they were but in this image I like the out of focus grebe in the background.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Greater Scaup photos plus facts and information about this species.