At high tide on 14 November 2019, Surf Scoters filled Woodard Bay near Olympia. These sea ducks are common in most of Puget Sound. In any plumage, bill shape is a good field mark. Male bills sport clown-like colors. I’m not sure what is happening with the explosion of water in this photo. Synchronous diving, where a bunch of ducks dive together to better locate fish schools, is known for Surf Scoters. Perhaps this bird is driving fish towards its companions; or is this bird alerting its companions to our presence along the shore? Or is the bird simply quickly swimming to a new location? In any case, Surf Scoters eat a wide variety of bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small fish.
No comments:
Post a Comment