Never base an ID on a single photo. But...l'm going to suggest first year
female Surf Scoter. I agree that Harlequin is readily conjured by this image.
But the bill is all black and Harlequins of all ages and gender have a blue
gray bill, kind of like a Bufflehead. Mainly, there's lots of Surf Scoters
passing through inland areas right now. They frequent deep, still water . At
least one pair of Harlequins has been at Hagg Lake before--in April and at the
mouth of Scoggins Creek or similar major Inlet. Harlequins have
historically bred on the Wilson and Trask Rivers. I imagine the Wilson has too
much human traffic nowadays. But the upper Trask may offer more solitude, and
is close to the headwaters of Scoggins Creek. I think the males are already
moving to salt water in June and July. The females and hatch year birds in
August if not sooner.Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
