Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

56.0. "What's a Bluebill??" by SHIVER::REMILLARDK () Thu Oct 15 1987 17:15

    
    I never thought I needed to ask this question, Bluebills as we call
    them are common on Lake Champlain.  I've bagged a fair share of them
    in my days.  Partly because they decoy so easy, and often come back
    around for another look after getting sprayed with lead.  I've always
    called the little divers I've bagged bluebills, I guess that's what
    I was taught.  The question is:  Are bluebills Lesser Scaup or 
    Ringneck's?  Like the Common Goldeneye is commonly known as "Whistler"
    I've always called Lesser Scaup-bluebills.  There are several of
    my hunting partners that are saying they are Ringneck's.  I for
    one have shot several mature Drake's, and have never seen the faint
    ring, where the base of the neck and chest meet. 
    
    What I think is happening is that we are shooting both species,
    the Lesser Scaup (bluebills?) have the faint blue/gray bill, but
    absolutely no rings or white markings on the bill (not sure if this
    is true, but it's my theory); the Ringneck on the other hand may
    look like the bluebill but does have a conspicuous white ring at
    the base (and sometimes the tip) of the bill.  Is this correct?
    
    Does anyone know of a sure way of identifying these birds?  This
    is important because in Vermont we have a bonus Scaup/Goldeneye
    season, in which I would like to hunt.  I do not want to shoot
    Ringneck's under this season, my liscense means to much to me to
    loose it on a case of mistaken identity.  
    
    Several Wildlife magazines mention bluebill, but do not define the
    species.  The Oct. - Nov. issue of Wildfowl calls Bluebills-Lesser
    Scaup.  I need a few more confirmations, figured I'd ask here, and
    most likely stop by the National Wildlife Refuge headquarters and
    show them a sample....fun birds to shoot anyway.
    
    banging away,
    
    Kevin
    

    
    Lesser Scaup are Blue Bills !
    
    pat.