Over the past 20 years, I have frequently encountered lesser scaup at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area during the spring and fall migrations. However, they have generally appeared in rather small numbers, from single individuals or pairs to small flocks.
But this past weekend, I observed a flock of 40 lesser scaup, cruising on the deeper channel where they intermittently dove for aquatic vegetation or invertebrates. Having wintered across the southern States and Mexico, they will head for Western Canada or the Intermountain West to summer and breed.
Often seen in large flocks during winter, mingling with other diving ducks, lesser scaup prefer larger lakes and reservoirs during migrations, choices not available at Eagle Bluffs where rather shallow pools dot the Missouri River floodplain. Indeed, surface-feeding ducks, such as mallards, northern shovelers, gadwall, wigeon and teal generally dominate the scene.
