I'd be inclined to go with lesser scaup. The (very) peaked head is a pretty good indicator for lesser, sometimes you can tell from the sheen too (greater is only purple, not green). The bill looks smaller and pretty narrow as well! Great photos!

I've met some people the last few months that work with state wildlife agencies (I basically live in 3 states) and I'm trying to talk them into letting me join them for bandings (falcons, owls). I am still a little terrified of the murder claws they have, but my curiosity is greater than the fear 😅

I can only imagine what they think - I watch the house sparrows all the time and wonder what they're fighting about.

The falcon took off and was shouting as it chased the RTH down, which the RTH promptly got the heck out of there. The mate of the falcon just sat there and watched too...

Thank you! Right time, right place lol

I have two more with the falcon above and next to the RTH, but it was twisting and looks incredibly goofy. It took me a second to wrap my head around what happened.

Thank you! I always try to get the best spot, but was a little limited in my yard. I need to focus on what I did get and not always needing to be perfect. Thanks for the reinforcement :)

Absolutely exceptional. Amazing shot! Well done!

Thank you; the atmosphere in your photo though! Also an amazing shot! I need to get better at finding them - I had a few run-ins with barred owls this year, but no one else.

Thanks for the share! Very appreciated :)

Great capture! Does the lower mandible have more pale/yellow coloring similar to the lore? I would think juvenile black-crowned with that in combination with the browner crown.

Absolutely phenomenal capture! I hope we see some more through the year!

Thank you! I didn't even realize it was so great until I was home and reviewing all the photos - I've had several interesting shots appear that way 😅