Amwell Scaup Update

The long-staying 1st winter male Scaup was found at Amwell on the 21st October 2012 and is still present. When it was first found it was almost completely brown but is now moulting into its male plumage. As it has now been present for 7 weeks, it is time for a catch-up on the progress of its moult.

I set off for Tumbling Bay from the viewpoint on a bright and crisp day with frost still clinging to all the trees. For some reason birds seem to be far tamer in cold weather, presumably because they are more interested in feeding than worrying about what you are doing. As I approached Tumbling Bay a male Blackbird was finishing off the last of the Hawthorn berries and was totally unconcerned by my presence.

Likewise a Robin was searching the grass at the side of the path for some tasty morsels.

I finally reached Tumbling Bay and the Scaup was in its usual position, not too far out and slightly to the right. Below are a sequence of shots of the bird since its arrival, showing the progress in its moult

21st October 2012

2nd November 2012

2nd December 2012

12th December 2012