: Non-breeding. and Jun-Aug in nearshore salt water; most if not all sub-adults. In years, a small group has summered between Seawall and Ship Harbor
: to early Apr-late May with a late Apr-early May peak and to early Jun, and again early/mid Oct-early Nov, when occasionally . In Apr-late May the area between Ship Harbor and Seawall has harbored flocks of 500-700 birds.
: and Dec-Mar. Small numbers especially on the east side of MDI
Miscellany: Active is typically undetectable except from Schoodic Point and the but Black Scoters, like most birds, are energy conservers. Although their fall is mostly , when faced with strong head winds with a southwesterly component, they swing in close to the eastern ‘lee' side of MDI where they can be seen well from places like Otter Point.
In spring, male Black Scoters give a wonderful low mournful whistle, a siren-song for birders. Listen here.
Last Updated: June 1st, 2022