https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/surf-scoter
“Scooter” loves to dive deep and fast. He is propelled by perfectly shaped feet, made for diving and foraging favorite treats…
Scooter’s wings, half-opened, push his body very fast and deep like surfers do. He sees his favorite mollusks, crustaceans, insects, small fishes, and worms served up to his delight…
Scooter eats salad first. Pondweeds, sedges, and crowberries are prepared in advance and served up on a shell…
Scooter’s little ones follow close by while mom watches from above. The little ones make for a perfect snack if they stray…
Scooters little ones leave the nest and go surfing soon. Water draws them shortly after hatching by the shore…
Mom’s nest is some distance away from water, on the ground, well hidden under low tree branches or in dense grass clump. She builds her nest in a shallow depression lined with down…
Little ones are tended by mom, but feed themselves. Their first flight is known only to them…
Scooter finds his mate on the winter range. While pushing back his daring male friends, his bride awaits with wings of love…
Scooter’s male friends swim back and forth rapidly with neck stretched upward, exaggerated bowing, and short display flights; He pursues his bride fast and deep to take her for his own….
Scooter migrates with his flock like families do. When migrating overland to coastal wintering areas, he flies high. Stopovers on lakes inland are mostly for resting, not for feeding, though…
I watch “Scooter” each Spring fly high and dive and surf deep into the sea. He is such a beautiful sight to see…
I love “Scooter” The Surf Dude! Especially, when he flys high and dives deep into the sea just like surfers do…
