Lesser scaup
I've seen lesser scaup before in the USA and on two occasions in Devon (where the birds were distant). After some distant views of the Blagdon bird last week, it was great to get some excellent views when the male bird relocated to Cheddar reservoir. It was pushed close to the shore on occasion by sailing boats.
The wing white bar is restricted to the secondaries, as seen on the image below.
An adult greater scaup is also present on the reservoir, with three females. Differences in head shape (peaked crown in lesser), and back pattern (coarser vermiculation in lesser) are apparent by comparing the pictures above with the image below. Although the head of the lesser generally looks purple, it can look green (like a greater) in certain lights.
