THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
SCAUP – Aythya marila
As with all reports of
rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective
rarities committees
Greater Scaup or Scaup is a small diving duck. It breeds on the ground by lakes and bogs on the tundra and at the northern limits of the boreal forest across the Arctic and sub-arctic regions of northern North America, Europe and Asia. Its name appears to have several origins; It may come from its display call 'scaup-scaup', or perhaps from the Scottish word 'scalp' referring to a bed of mussels from its habit of feeding on shellfish. Some historical names for Scaup include; Green-headed Diver, Blue Neb, Grey-backed Curre, Dun Bird and Covie Duck.
There have been around forty-five Scaup reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1938: (1)
On April 25th one was observed at Severn Beach and remained in the area until May 1st.
1972: (1)
A male was reported from Littleton Pits on April 2nd.
1980: (3)
Three females were identified off Northwick Warth and Severn Beach and were present from October 26th until November 2nd with two lingering until December 8th.
1985: (1)
On September 7th an individual was found off Northwick Warth.
1986: (6)
Six were sighted on March 1st off Severn Beach, the party included five males.
1987: (2)
Two, a male and female were noted on April 19th off Severn Beach.
1988: (6)
Four, all males were seen on July 8th at New Passage, all four were present until July 11th with two remaining until July 13th; One, a female was seen on October 29th at Severn Beach, it was joined by a second female on October 31st and both were present until November 20th.
1989: (1)
One, a female was located on October 19th off New Passage, it was present until October 30th.
1991: (1)
On October 11th a female was found off Aust Warth.
1992: (1)
On February 12th a male was watched in flight heading south off Aust Warth.
1993: (1)
A female was noted on August 18th off Severn Beach.
1994: (3)
One, a female was found on August 13th off Severn Beach and remained in the area until August 16th; On October 1st a female was seen off Severn Beach and was present until October 7th; A male was found on December 24th off Severn Beach.
1997: (4)
A male was seen on January 3rd off New Passage; Three males were watched on February 4th off Severn Beach in flight heading north.
1999: (2)
Two, a male and female were located on August 28th off Severn Beach.
2001: (2)
Two, a male and female were located on October 29th off Northwick Warth.
2006: (4)
Four 1st winter's were seen off Severn Beach on September 3rd.