Scaup   Aythya fuligula

Willen Lake - Jan/Feb 2004

Above photos kindly supplied by Mike Wallen

Photo kindly supplied by 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 kindly supplied by 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

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. 

Photo kindly supplied by Mike Wallen