28/02/2015 Surf Scoter at Gosport

Saturday 28th February 2015
Stokes Bay, Gosport

I took Paul's advice and travelled down to Gosport in Hampshire to see the rare drake Surf Scoter.  With poor weather in Sussex and Kent it was sensible to go west to meet the incoming good weather.

• In contrast to yesterday, when I had to wait over 3 hours for the star item to appear, the Surf Scoter was showing well as I arrived.  The views from my telescope were the best I have had for this species.  It was with 2 Common Scoters and quite close to the south coast shores.  With the the Isle of Wight as background it was a most spectacular setting for me, a northern lad by birth.

Drake Surf Scoter Stokes Bay, Gosport
Library picture





Drake Surf Scoter (middle) flanked by 2 Common Scoters
Library picture

Thanks for the recommendation Paul.




Addition to BUBO UK 2015 Bird List:
Surf Scoter   (167)





The Surf Scoter is a large sea duck that prefers to breed throughout Canada and Alaska. In winter months, this bird will migrate southward to warmer climates, including the northern coasts of the United States, Western Europe, Great Britain and Ireland, and the Great Lakes.