Smew seen at Whitby again

[brummiebirder]

Observed male on east side of bridge on Brock Street South just north of the harbour at 0830 this morning. It was the only diving bird among several hundred Canada Geese.

It was no longer there at 11:30 or 13:30.

[Reuven_M]

Not trying to imply that you were mistaken or lying, but could you give a description of why you think it was the smew? A number of us were looking this morning with no sign.

[brummiebirder]

I have been birding for forty years and am very familiar with any other species it could have been. At 0830 this morning the light was very good and the bird was diving among the geese at relatively close range. I had seen the Smew in December,  at very close range and observed it for an extended period of time with other birders. I am 100% certain of my identification.

I read a report that is wasn't seen around 1130 so I went back for a look at 1330 and it wasn't there, yet neither were the numbers of Canada Geese that were present at 0830. I will be back at 0830 tomorrow and hope other birders are there to confirm this sighting.

[newfoundlander61]

It may have been around lake ontario since dec just moved to a different location. If its still there end week i will take a drive down from Kingston to try and add this one to my life list.

[Reuven_M]

Thanks, has the bird progressed in its molt from where it was in december?
Reuven

[brummiebirder]

Yes, the bird appeared in fine breeding plumage, flanks were a brilliant white.

[Reuven_M]

Thanks, hopefully it will show up again.

[worth]

By it being in "fine breeding plumage",  besides it's flanks being brilliant white does this mean the head pattern is that of a breeding plumaged male with a white crown and black around the eye?

[brummiebirder]

Yes...white flanks, sliver of black on back of head, dark slender bill with black around the eye and, (at least to my eye), a lower profile than Goldeneye, Bufflehead or Hooded Merganser.

As stated before, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the bird I saw was a Smew.

[thouc]

There was a report of a (the?) Smew from Long Point today, so it might be heading west.