[chrlly]

Hi,

I'm new to birding, can anyone help me identify these birds:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92826563@N ... /lightbox/

The distance on these ones might make if difficult...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92826563@N ... /lightbox/

A scaup of some kind?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92826563@N ... /lightbox/

Golden-crowned Sparrow?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92826563@N ... /lightbox/

Thank you!

[MountainGoat]

I'm pretty new too, but will take a stab:

1) Mallard x Domestic Duck hybrid
2) Common Goldeneye (female)
3) This looks like a juvenile Scaup, but with the angle I find it difficult to know which. Perhaps Lesser because of the lack of clarity in colour?
4) I'm sure you're right about this one! =)

I'm sure someone a little more knowledgeable will weigh in on the middle two...

[courtjcam]

I saw a duck like your first picture (here's the one I saw): http://www.flickr.com/photos/91712727@N06/8359195403/
It was explained to me by someone more knowledgeable than I am (I'm also new) that it might be a hybrid but also could be a full mallard (in the genetic code sense) but with a mutation that creates the "bibbed" effect.
Cheers

[Birder2000]

1) Mallard x Domestic Duck hybrid
2) female Common Goldeneyes
3) Lesser Scaup (male)
4) Golden-crowned Sparrows

[Rokman]

For bird #1, try googling 'Manky Mallard' and you will get more than you ever wanted.