Inwood Hill Park, Mar 8, 2014 - White-winged Scoter and odd Canvasback continue

The male White-winged Scoter that appeared two days ago continues east of the Henry Hudson Bridge at the north end of the park. This morning before 9:00 am there were also 13 Canvasbacks there and a couple of female Greater Scaup. With the Canvasbacks was the leucistic male individual I spotted here two days ago.

Canvasbacks, Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter                                                                            © Joseph DiCostanzo

Also nearby were a couple of female type Red-breasted Mergansers. I say female type because I believe at least one of them is a first winter male (see below), based on the dark around the eye.

Red-breasted Merganser                                                                                                                              © Joseph DiCostanzo

Also this morning there was a lone Common Grackle on the edge of the soccer fields. The return of the grackles to Inwood is usually the first sign of spring here. March 8th is actually a bit late for recent years. I usually spot them the last week in February, but with this cold winter it does not surprise me that they are running late.This afternoon it is 54 F outside and the snow is melting rapidly. I haven't wanted to risk the icy paths up onto the ridge recently, but it may be possible in the next day or so.