I birded a couple of hours today on the Milwaukee lakefront and it provided some nice views of White-winded Scoters. This location was at the Milwaukee River mouth near the lighthouse. There appeared to be 9 scoters present while I was there. One beautiful adult was present along with some females and 1st winters. All of the ducks present appeared to be diving for mussels and resting in between. Also present were many Greater Scaups and Common Goldeneyes, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers and a female Redhead. South Shore Yacht Club was froze up with only a couple of gulls and geese. I did not hang around long with the stiff northwest winds and cold temps, but nice to get out with some sun. I also had the opportunity to meet some birders today, seems like everyone is anxious for more spring like weather, it is less than a month away! If I have something labeled incorrect please let me know, thank you. Images were taken on February 24, 2015.
White-winged Scoter, male adult
White-winged Scoter
Binomial name: Melanitta fusca
Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Size: 21” long, 34” wing span
Weight: 3.7 lb
White-winged Scoter, male adult
White-winged Scoter, male adult, head up, just before the dive!
White-winged Scoter, male adult taking a dive for a mussel.
White-winged Scoter, male adult taking a dive for a mussel.
White-winged Scoter, male adult taking a dive for a mussel.
White-winged Scoter, male adult with a mussel.
White-winged Scoter, male adult with a mussel.
White-winged Scoter, male adult with a mussel just before swallowing it.
White-winged Scoter, male, adult with a Greater Scaup male in pursuit of the mussel
White-winged Scoter, male adult shaking it off!
White-winged Scoter, male adult
White-winged Scoter, male, adult back, White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter front
White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter
White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter going for the mussel
White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter going for the mussel
White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter going for the mussel
White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter
White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter
White-winged Scoter, female, adult
White-winged Scoter female adult left, White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter right
White-winged Scoter, male, adult just resting
White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter just resting
White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter just resting
White-winged Scoter, male, 1st winter looking at you!
White-winged Scoter, male, adult just resting
Far out, far out, far out! These Scoter images are far out, Jim! Love the action, love the comparisons, love the crisp clean images! Thanks for the share!