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melanitta perspicillata

  1. Surf Scoter

    Surf Scoter

    This is a female, part of a small flock diving in the surf. Note the large swollen bill. They feed mostly on bivalves such as mussels which they swallow whole. Their strong gizzard grinds up the shells which are expelled as pellets.
  2. Surf Scooter

    Surf Scooter

    These are very active, vocal ducks. We have had a bunch of them this year. I am going to hate to see them go.
  3. Surf Scooter

    Surf Scooter

    Hi all, It has been a while since I have posted a picture, things have been out of control for a while. This week has been full of ducks! I saw a fantastic pair of Hooded Mergansers, lots of Ruddy Ducks, Canvas Backs, Buffle Heads, a bunch of Surf Scooters and a Greib. I have only seen one surf...
  4. Surf scoter

    Surf scoter

    What my mom said when I showed her this pic in the viewscreen on my camera: "He is a cutie!". Oh, and thanks to the confirmation that scoting is something between flying and swimming, I think I've figured out the etymology of the name. I think it must come from the Norse verb "skte" (pron...
  5. Surf scoter (young and/or female) scoting

    Surf scoter (young and/or female) scoting

    Woodpeckers peck wood. Warblers warble. Presumably scoters scote, but what is scoting? Is this it?
  6. This has been a winter of first sightings for me

    This has been a winter of first sightings for me

    I spotted this fellow as I was leaving work today. He was moving away from me, typical of the birds when they spot you. I am shocked this turned out, its cropped a LOT! So far this winter we have had, that I have been able to identify that is, this surf scooter, a pair of hooded mergansers...
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