English and Scientific names:

White-winged scoter, Melanitta fusca.

Number of individuals: 

One group of 20-30 individuals and at least 2 other smaller groups.

Locality: LOUISIANA: 

Cameron

Specific Locality:

Less than five miles west of Holly Beach on the Gulf shore near LA Hwy 82,
just out from the rock breakwaters.

Date(s) when observed:

March 7, 2008.

Time(s) of day when observed:  

Between 1300 and 1400 hours.

Reporting observer and address:

Steve Shively  Woodworth, LA 71485

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

None.

Other observers accompanying reporter who independently identified the bird(s):

Afterwards, at Holleyman Sanctuary, I met two older gentlemen birders from
Lake Charles and told them of the scoters. Later, we stopped again at one
of the breakwaters and the Lake Charles birders drove up behind us and
pulled a little further down. I do not know if they saw any of the scoters.

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

Bright sun somewhat to the south and west of vertical.

Optical equipment: 

Nikon 8x25 compact binoculars. Good condition.

Distance to bird(s): 

Estimating between 100 and 200 yards.

Duration of observation:

As long as it took birds to fly by; maybe 10-15 seconds each occasion?

Habitat: 

Gulf of Mexico.

Behavior of bird: 

Birds were flying rapidly along shore, east to west.

Description:

Relatively large ducks (larger than scaup), all dark except for very
discrete, bright white, rectangular patches on trailing secondaries.

Voice:

None heard.

Similar species:

Black and surf scoters - eliminated by white wing patches. Greater scaup? -eliminated by uniform dark coloration and size.

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

No.

Previous experience with this species: 

I have seen the species before but did not record where. Either off the
coast of Assateague Island, VA (or MD?), or off the Louisiana coast in
Cameron Parish or Lafourche Parish at Fourchon.

Identification aids:

after observation:
National Geographic and Sibley field guides.

This description is written from: 

Memory.

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

Yes.

Reporter: 

Steve Shively

Date and time: 

March 11, 2008. 1030 hours.