Same question, different species. Two weeks ago I saw several male
adult-plumaged Surf Scoters accompanying a large flock of female and what
looked like 1st year plumaged birds (very light colored). It seemed
pretty early for this year's fledglings to be showing up. Were the females
and young back already or were the Scoters doing the same as the
Bonapartes; just hanging out instead of doing the family thing?

Herb Curl
Seattle WA

h.curl at hazmat.noaa.gov "You may be only young once but you can be
Hazmat/NOAA, 7600 Sand Pt. Wy., NE immature the rest of your life."
Seattle, WA 98115-0070
(206) 526-6272