ML634373943

Observation details

Upon arrival small flocks of 8-25 Surf Scoters were flying from the north and joining two main flocks of Surf Scoters. One large flock was mainly on the north side and under the Porteau Cove pier. The other large flock was further west/north off the pier. Surf Scoters continued to join these large flocks flying in from the north throughout our observations. We estimated upon leaving that there were around 400 (conservative count) Surf Scoters. We did look for White-winged Scoters and Black-winged Scoters but did not see any. The large flock of Surf Scoters (approx 200 birds) around the pier repeatedly foraged by diving on mass. In a blink of an eye most of the Surf Scoters would dive leaving around 25-50 birds on the surface. Eventually the birds would resurface to give an estimated 200 bird count. This mass foraging was repeated several times during our observations.