If you're a birder, you'll know what a life list is. It's basically a list of all the bird species one has observed and positively ID'd in one's lifetime. This blog is a record of my "critter" life list (mostly of birds), including photos I've taken over the years, some of the actual lifer if I was lucky enough to get the shot. Don't expect National Geographic quality stuff here, just the work of an amateur photog who loves to trudge out into nature.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)


3/16/02 Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA
3/16/02 Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

LIFE LIST NOTES:

COMMON NAME: Surf Scoter

SPECIES: Melanitta perspicillata

FAMILY: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans)

LIFE LIST DATE: 3/16/2002

LOCATION: Three pairs observed in water off of the Salt Marsh Interpretive Trail at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA

From Kaufman Focus Guide: Birds of North America:

BEHAVIOR/HABITAT: Common in some coastal areas in winter, especially along Pacific coast. Often some distance offshore, although small flocks will also float sluggishly near piers and jetties. 

IDENTIFYING MARKS: 20"; Male has striking pattern with white head patches (sportsmen's nickname is "skunkhead coot"), orange and white on bill, otherwise all black. Female dark sooty brown, with two whitish patches on face. At close range, notice how base of bill is shaped.

VOICE: Usually silent, sometimes low whistles or croaks. 
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