White-winged Scoter

The largest of the ducks found in British Columbia, the White-winged Scoter fre-
quents marine and brackish waters throughout the year and is often found with flocks
of Surf Scoters. The peak movement to freshwater breeding grounds occurs in April;
the return in autumn peaks in October and November. The White-winged Scoter is
often seen in the calmer waters off Stanley Park, in Boundary Bay and off the cause-
way to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. In winter, it feeds by diving for clams, snails,
barnacles, mussels and crabs, which are abundant along the coast. It uses its wings to
propel itself during diving, and it prefers more shallow feeding sites than the Surf
Scoter does.

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