Rare Bird Report 45-B-08

RARE OR UNUSUAL BIRD REPORT FOR IDAHO

Species reported: Black Scoter

Reporter: Cliff Weisse, 4125 Beaver Springs Rd., Island Park, ID 83429, 208-558-7789

Other Observers (please print):

Date and time of record:- 11/23/2001 and 11/28/2001 Date report prepared: 11/17/2002

Locality: ---On the Snake River in Idaho Falls at John's Hole Forebay located adjacent to River Parkway. The bird was foraging between the island (the only island) and the east bank both times I saw it.

Habitat: River

Conditions (e.g. weather, prior weather, light conditions, distance, optical aids, duration, etc.): I observed the bird with Nikon 10 x 25 Mountaineer binoculars as well as through a 50mm Bushnell spotting Scope with 60x eyepiece on both occasions. Distance ranged from approximately fifty yards to 250 yards. I spent approximately 30 minutes on the 23^rd and 10 minutes on the 28^th.

Description of bird: Adult female Black Scoter. Large diving duck, larger than Barrow's and Common Goldeneyes present. Dark brown overall with lighter cheek and dark cap. Bill dark. Mandible had dished look along culmen, not straight.

Behavior of this bird: On both occasions the bird was actively diving.

List similar species and tell how you eliminated them: Ruddy Duck is easily eliminated by size. Female surf and White-winged Scoter by solid white patch on cheek, not separate whitish patches, and by smaller, dished bill. White-winged Scoter is further eliminated by lack of white secondaries.

What is your experience with this or similar species?: My experience with Scoters is limited to a few individuals in Idaho and Utah and one day observing small flocks of White-winged and Surf Scoters in CA.

Were photos obtained?: NO (Please enclose if possible):