As a sailor, I often use wind power to approach Pelagic birds. Today, 17
June, I approached a large flock of Surf Scoters (40 +) off Restoration
Point, the SE corner of Bainbridge Island. I?m not an expert, but it
appeared to me that at least half of this flock, which remained very tightly
together, were newly-fledged birds. As I recall, Surf Scoters nest in the
far north, so does this make sense, in the middle of June, to see a large
tight flock with juvies? Nearby I also saw a single Common Murre and three
Rhinoceros Auklets.

I love Tweeters and try to read it each day. Advice for all: join your
local Audubon chapter!

Neil C. Johannsen
Kitsap Audubon