THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
VELVET SCOTER – Melanitta fusca
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Male Velvet Scoters can be identified at close range by the neat white 'tear drop' just behind the eye, the greater extent of yellow in the bill around the edges not just in the centre and by occasional glimpses of the white patch in the closed wing. The name 'scoter' may be derived from Old Norse and from the Old English word 'sceotan' meaning to move rapidly. The term Velvet is a direct reference to the extreme softness of the feathers. Some historical names for Velvet Scoter include; Black Diver, Double Scoter, Doucker and Whilk.
There have been six Velvet Scoter reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1892: (1)
On March 5th an adult male was 'obtained' off New Passage.
1983: (1)
A male flew up river past Severn Beach on November 7th.
1984: (1)
A female was seen in flight heading north-east on April 26th off New Passage.
1987: (2)
Two, a male and female were found on January 25th off Severn Beach; they lingered throughout February and were present until at least March 20th.
1996: (1)
One was watched on November 16th off Severn Beach.