Rare Bird Report 26-B-08

IDAHO BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
RARE BIRD REPORT FORM


SPECIES:  


Black Scoter


HOW MANY:


one, juvenile or female


REPORTER:  


chuck trost
225 N. Lincoln
Pocatello, ID 83204
208-233-4538
trostchuck@cableone.net


REPORTER EMAIL:  


trostchuck@cableone.net


OTHER OBSERVERS:


Harry Krueger


DATE REPORT PREPARED:  


11-23-08


DATE SIGHTING OCCURRED:  


11-7-08


LOCALITY OF OBSERVATION:


Near the island below the American Falls cemetery, Snake River below AF dam.


HABITAT:


deep channel of Snake River


CONDITIONS:


Thirty minutes, clear, calm, about 60F, about 100 yards from the bird, sun to the west, Kowa 15-60X80mm score, Swarovski 8.5X42mm bins.


DID YOU TAKE NOTES?:  


Yes, later the same day


DID YOU CONSULT FIELD GUIDE OR OTHER REFERENCES?:  


Yes, later the same day


WHAT GUIDE(S) OR REFERENCE(S) DID YOU CONSULT?:


New Peterson, sibley's big guide.


DESCRIPTION:  


Anatidae, diving duck, smaller than nearby surf scoters, dark brown body, light gray cheek, neck, and lower face


BEHAVIOR:  


Diving repeatedly, opened wings slightly when diving.  Later seen resting with head tucked on back. Feeding with three juvenile Surf Scoters.


HOW AND WHEN DID YOU POSITIVELY IDENTIFY THE BIRD, AND WHAT CLINCHED THE IDENTIFICATION FOR YOU?


The light colored cheek and throat, plus the dark body immediately brought this species to mind.  Constant diving, and presence of three other scoters clinched it.


HOW DID YOU ELIMINATE SIMILAR SPECIES, AND WHAT WERE THEY?


Smaller than nearby Surf Scoters, diving behaviors, etc.


EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SPECIES (AND SIMILAR SPECIES):  


 I have seen it at least 4 times in southern Idaho, as well as in Oregon and Alaska.


GENERAL BIRDING EXPERIENCE:  


 I've been birding for over 50 years and consider myself fairly knowledgable.


WERE PHOTO(S), VIDEO, AND/OR AUDIO OBTAINED BY YOU?:  


None