The Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) is a common and widespread diving duck which breeds across much of Canada and parts of the northwestern United States. The species winters along both coasts of the United States as well as across the southern half of the country and much of Mexico. The males have a solid dark head which typically reflects a purple sheen in some light, but it may also reflect a greenish tinge. The female is mostly brown with a whitish ring around the base of the bill. The seven images of male and female Lesser Scaups here were taken in January, 2007, in New Braunfels, Comal Co., Texas. The shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender.

The male Lesser Scaup on the left was on its breeding grounds at Benton Lake N.W.R., Cascade Co., Montana, in June, 2007. The image was taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender.

The female Lesser Scaup on the left was in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in December, 2007. This image was taken with a Canon EOS 40D and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender.