A Lesser Scaup Goes Home

On January 7, this male Lesser Scaup was found huddled alongside a road in Everett, WA. He was captured by Everett Animal Control who brought him to the PAWS Wildlife Center. During the bird's initial examination, two deep lacerations were found on his neck. The wounds were consistent with the duck having been attacked by a predator. PAWS veterinary staff cleaned and dressed the wounds and prescribed antibiotics. The bird was monitored closely over the following two weeks as the wounds healed. The scaup made a full recovery and was returned to the wild on January 21. This image was captured as he swam away to join a flock of other Lesser Scaups at his release.