: Non-breeding. and late May-early Sep with a few sub-adult birds remaining along the .
Migration: mostly mid Sep-early Nov with a late Sep-mid Oct peak, and mid Apr-mid May.
: mid Nov-mid Apr along the . Not recorded from fresh water. Most birds appear to be males.
Miscellany: Male Surf Scoters accompany their females to their nesting lakes...and then leave after just a few weeks to fly off to spend the rest of the molting in coastal estuaries that may be hundreds of miles from both their breeding and wintering locations.
Surf Scoters migration can be seen well with a telescope from mainland lookouts such as Schoodic Point. Days with strong southwesterly (spring) or southeasterly (fall) winds are best.
Last Reviewed: August 5th, 2026