A large and dark sea duck, this bird has a thick neck and a more wedge-shaped head than the other species of scoters. Seen both on the east and west coasts of the United States in winter, this uncommon duck nests on large lakes of the boreal forest as well as in Alaska.
The most recent observation in Oklahoma was in January of 2018 at Ponca City Lakes, Lake Murray in Love, and several times at Lake Waurika. It turns up in Oklahoma during many winters, which is much warmer that the northern breeding grounds at that time of year. The only instance it was observed in Stillwater, was at Meridian Technology Ponds in November of 2017. Ducks had also been found at Sooner Lake by this writer in 2015 and had also been seen there in 2010.
Female White-winged Scoter
Sooner Lake, OK 2015
At one time, breeding was common in North Dakota at Devils Lake and Stump Lake in Nelson County (possibly in the 1950s), but now has only been occasionally seen in the winter, last sighting in 2017. Since it is now a Boreal breeder, it is logical that they would be in the area occasionally.
In fresh water, they feed upon insects and crustaceans, and in salt water, they enjoy crustaceans and mollusks, especially mussels and clams.
No comments:
Post a Comment