[Birdnet] A tale of two Scoters

[bcurrie100 at comcast.net]

I birded AIC (Antelope Island Causeway) this afternoon from 1245-2:45.  I drove right to (well, the way a birder drives "right to" anything : ) ) the bridge closest to the island. My main purpose was to see what, if anything had come in recently.  The two White-winged Scoters were still present, but there seemed to be a third one.  Within some time they somewhat acclimated to me and swam within 15-20 feet of me.  It turns out there are two WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and one SURF SCOTER.  Here is a photo of the WW: http://upload.pbase.com/bcurrie/image/70549042 and here is a photo of the Surf: http://upload.pbase.com/image/70549040/original.  The Surf looks like a first year male (I would like other's thoughts on this please).  Should he hang around it will be good to see his bill change color.  Generally the Surf was hanging out with the WW, but there were some times when it swam by itself.  They were there the entire time.  The Surf was less intimidated by me then were the WWs.

And here is a photo for you to compare the bills: http://upload.pbase.com/image/70549699/original

And not to confuse the matter, but the other WW Scoter looks like a first year male to me also.  Notice the slight color difference in the bill compared to the other ones I linked to above: http://upload.pbase.com/bcurrie/image/70549044.  Please comment.

Other species that were seen:
HORNED GREBE (3 near mile marker two on south side)
Eared Grebe
Raven
Bonaparte's Gulls (about 200)
Ring-billed Gulls
Common Goldeneye
American Kestrel
Northern Harrier

Brian
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