Thursday, January 28, 2010

Ocean City Birds

Last week after visiting Blackwater we continued driving to Ocean City, Md. I was hoping to pick up a few lifers at the Ocean City inlet. My lifer was the Surf Scoter, we also saw what I believe are Common Loons, Ruddy Turnstones, lots of seagulls and maybe a Purple Sandpiper.


The Surf Scoter are cool looking birds because of their unique bill. The Male is impressive with its colorful bill. They are seen in large wintering flocks on ocean coasts where they feed on shellfish.



Please click to see larger image and a better view of the bill.












The Surf Scoters are my entry for Bird Photography Weekly  to see more great bird photography please click on the link.

To see more great birds and wildlife go and visit The Friday Ark.

Thanks for stopping by to see my birds and commenting.

22 comments:

Kirigalpoththa said...

Now I know how to identify male Surf Scoter from females :)

Caron said...

They look so busy! And I really like the photo in your header. It is sort of surprising after so much bitter cold and snow this winter how affected I am by photos of the ocean, lakes, trees with leaves, etc.

Carver said...

Great shots of the water birds.

Marvin said...

It looks as if you had a great outing and fine birding trip.

Unknown said...

Those are some awesome birdies.
Never seen them before.
Lucky you :D

Anonymous said...

I see the Surf Scoters like to travel in groups. Are they a kid of duck? I've never heard of them before.

Rambling Woods said...

I love seeing the waterfowl and I have never seen those before but I don't live anyway near the ocean, but I would love too..Thank you for submitting this to Nature Notes Eileen...Michelle

Anonymous said...

Around here we can watch the surf scoters diving for larger clams and how they are able to crunch them down for consumption. Quite the free diver.

cat said...

Those last look like they are wearing a lace necklace.

SquirrelQueen said...

Great shots Eileen. I am learning so much about these bird through your photos.

Crafty Green Poet said...

lovely photos, specially the second - they look very busy

Shelley Munro said...

This are a new bird to me. Their bills are interesting looking. The color actually reminded me of a puffin's bill a little.

mick said...

Great photos of the surf scoters - which I have never seen! But I especially like the Ruddy Turnstones. Those little birds certainly travel all over the world as they migrate down here for the summer too. I saw two of them just this week-end.

Bob Kaufman said...

Wow! A whole raft of Surf Scoters! The Loon and the Oystercatcher are nice extras!

Larry said...

Great shots of the Surf Scooter Eileen. They would be lifers for me.

I like the Loon and the Turnstones too.

Stuart Price said...

Nice shots of the Surf Scoters, a bit of a rarity where I am.......

Kelly said...

How exciting! I enlarged that second photo to get a better look at those exquisite bills....so beautiful.

Johnny Nutcase said...

Great shots again, Eileen. I really like seeing the surf scoters- crazy looking guys!

Kathie Brown said...

I would love to see some of those birds! Nice photos.

Ali said...

Very nice shots =)

DoanLegacy said...

Amazing pictures Eileen! All of them. I think they are so special!

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