Would that little flash of white peak your interest in a flock of sleeping scaup? It should, along with body size and overall color. When the wind is at your back and all the sleeping birds are facing you it might be the only clue you get to an odd species. Keep watching and eventually the bird will turn.

This Surf Scoter with a restricted cheek pattern was one of two we had this weekend on TVA Lake in Ensley Bottoms, Memphis TN. This lake is fabulous for getting close looks at Lesser and Greater Scaup and it has been the site for quite a few Long-tailed Ducks and all the scoters.