Greater Scaup   Aythya fuligula

Little Marlow GP - 1st-3rd January 2009 (at least)

Photo copyright Jim Rose

On 1st January Little Marlow regular Alan Stevens discovered a female Scaup amung a flock of Tufted Duck.  The following day the number had grown to three with a 1st winter male and two females being present.  These attracted a number of local birders to see this local rarity.  The females in particular spent much of the time asleep.

To view a chart of the Scaup records in the county click here.

Willen Lake - Jan/Feb 2004

Photos copyright Mike Wallen

Photos copyright Mervyn Wallen

Female Scaup/s were reported at Willen Lake on several dates between 4th December and the end of February 2004 and presumably all relate to the individual photographed by Mervyn and Mike Wallen.  One or two male birds were also reported and Mike Wallen managed to get a photo of one of these towards the end of February.

Willen Lake - 9th Feb 2001

Photo copyright Mike Wallen

The above individual was one of two female Scaup that were present on Willen Lake from 9th Feb until 28th March at least.

Broughton Trout Pools - January 1998

Photo copyright Mike Wallen

This individual with a Tufted Duck, was present from 7th January until 13th February and was seen by many observers.   There was some controversy as to the bird's true identity and a hybrid was suggested.  However, following several sets of field notes, the Records Committee concluded that the bird was in fact a true Scaup, aged as a first winter male.  As a result of the discussions about this individual, an interesting article called "The Scaup At Broughton - The Lessons Learnt" by Mike Wallen was published in the 1998 Buckinghamshire Bird Club Annual Report.