Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)

Sighting Ref :

IB74874

Sighting Date :

09 Jan 15

Common Name :

Black Scoter

Scientific Name :

Melanitta americana

Location :

Rossbeigh

County :

Kerry

Number Seen :

Principal Observer(s) :

Davey Farrar, Michael O’Clery Not Specified

Reported By :

Not Specified

Comments :

Black Scoter Melanitta americana. Found on the 8th at 10:40 and seen again today. The additional features mentioned, which don’t show up so well on the photo, include: The large swelling on the upper bill, resembling a small orange ball, 'glued to the forehead' of the bird, consistently rounded-looking from front and side. Thin black line along the ‘cutting edge' of the bill. Distinct and even black tip (culmen) on the bill. Face on, the yellow on the bill also looked curved and even, again like an orange ‘ball’ stuck on the forehead - no hint of a small ‘knob’ or bump along the bill’s upper profile at any time. Over time, we were sure that there were also subtle but distinct differences in ‘jizz’, particularly a stockier build to the neck and head, making it look overall a good bit chunkier-looking than nearby male Common Scoters. The head and neck looked slightly more akin to a Surf Scoter profile than a Common Scoter. There have been a number of claims of Black Scoter in Ireland over the years, and we are aware that hybrids and aberrant birds can throw up all sorts of permutations, and with that in mind we feel the cautious approach would be to announce it as a bird showing all the characters of Black Scoter, and none of the characters of a hybrid/aberrant bird! Bit of a mouthful, but this bird would cause quite a stir, and anyone travelling to see it might bear that in mind! Bottom line, we think it’s the real thing, and would encourage you all to go and try see it and decide for yourselves. The really awful part of it is that the weather forecast, not just for the next day or two, but the whole week ahead, is shite - gale force winds, large swell, etc. Viewing conditions are not likely to improve any time soon, but we might be lucky and get it closer in, when it’s not lashing rain. Michael O'Clery

Status :

See IRBC Appendix 1

Photos :