White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca), Gila Bend Sewage Ponds, Maricopa County

This White-winged Scoter was discovered by Paul Lehman on 04 December 2010 and photographed by Bill Grossi on 08 December 2010.

Rare fall and winter visitor.  Annual in the last few years as it was up to the 1990's.

The white secondary patches are diagnostic. When these aren't visible, the elongated bill, sloping forehead and feathering on the bill help to separate this species in this plumage from similar age Surf Scoters.

08 December 2010, photo by Bill Grossi

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