I have a duck that was said to be a ruddy Hen
But when i went to get a false head for it
the only head and beak that fit was a hen
surf scoter. The thing that blows my mind
is that this duck was shat in Utah
does anyone know if Surf Scoters
migrate through Utah?
any information would be
grateful
thanx
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Chris, I'm from Utah myself and have never heard of either of those ducks being harvested here. Not saying it couldnt happen. But there's probably a good chance someone is confused.
Saw a Scoter killed in MO once so anything is possible.
Chris anything is possible and although a Surf Scoter is generally found in a saltwater environment nature may have allowed a wayward duck to show up in Utah. However, identifying a Surf Scoter is pretty easy. The size is close to a small goose, but the bill is where you'll find the proof. A Surf Scoter bill is pretty large, has a thick "hump" above the nostrils, and a raised, black spot on each side of the upper mandible, and the eye is snow white. Nothing like a Ruddy Duck. Hope this helps you....good luck....JL
It has a beak that matched the false beak and head that i bought
the eyes are brown since its a hen and it came in with a scaup
but it was not a scaup hen thats for sure it has large feet like
lots of the sea birds it may have come from the salt lake
Its almost all a brown color
sept for some white blotches
on the side of the head,small
eyes, about 18 or 19 inches
from tip of beak to tip of tail
body is 7 1/2-7 3/4 inch. in
length and 10 in cir.
i have it all skinned out
There is a significant difference in the two birds. A ruddy has a very short bill and very wide. The bill is all brown and the bird is all brown also except for some slight "lighter" streaking on the side of the face. A hen scoter has an odd shaped bill up towards the nostril. The ruddy bill will look alot like the bluebill beak wise except for the color and length. Also, yes it is very possible for surf scoters to go through utah. The primary breeding grounds to these birds is the western half of northern canada and migrate all the way to baja california....Hope this helps
i've finaly identified it as a black Scoter hen
i'm positive
Glad you made the ID..
In the future, everone is telling ya the difference in a ruddy and scoter..
Just so you know.. A mature ruddy. is about the size of a teal.. infact a young hen is even smaller.....in comparison to a scoter of any species that will likely be larger than the mallards you find at the city park.
best regards..
jon