Hi Birders,

This from Rick Howie, a resident of Kamloops.

Thanks for the compilation. While I think that there is a real increase in
observations to the south of us (possibly due to upper level winds as noted
by Jack Bowling), I should note that Surf Scoters in the numbers noted for
the
Kamloops-Merritt area , are not unexpected or unprecedented. If people had
not been discussing invasions in the Washington area, we would not have
thought anything of such small numbers. However, as part of a
larger picture they are perhaps of some interest.

It looks as if there has been a displacement of more birds to the south
which is apparently not usual for Washington. I do not know the status well
in that state. However for our area, Surf Scoters occur periodically
throughout September & October & occasionally into November. White-winged
Scoters also occur during the same time period in normally small numbers.
Although my records for 25 years show some annual gaps, I rather suspect
that they occur annually in the fall but are missed. Spring numbers for
White-winged are much higher and Surfs occur as well, but during a shorter
time window.

So not to take away from the fascination of this special year, but just to
add perspective that the phenomenon may be a little more special just to the
south of us. The numbers are obviously higher than we have experienced here
in the past.

Rick