Scaups in Toronto, Pano

Very difficult to tell if they are Lesser or Greater Scaups from this angle but if I had to bet, I would bet on Greater. The most definitive way to tell them apart is by the nail on the bill which is not visible in this photo. The Lesser Scaup's black nail is cylindrical in shape while Greater Scaup's Nail is flared like a bell: A second way to tell but a less reliable method is by looking for the crown on the male which is typically higher up on the Lesser Scaup than it is on the Greater but there is some overlap. Since I see no crown at all on the adult male, I am guessing Greater Scaup. As for the photo, I would prefer a lower shooting angle and some detail in the white side of the adult male.

Lat

These are Greater Scaup. The rounded head in combination with the large bill is the best indicator in your shot. Male Greaters also exhibit cleaner white sides on average than male Lessers. On the distribution side, Greater is the commoner scaup on Lake Ontario in winter but that's not to say there aren't some Lessers about.

It takes a bit of practice with scaup, particularly when both aren't present for comparison but it becomes easier over time.

I love E.J.'s head shots. They show the nail on the bill beautifully.

Ron

Very nice shot, Lat. The pano crop works very well with this composition.

I like the placement of the birds within the frame.