16 Nebraskaland • October 2020
IN THE FIELD
Autumn means duck season for many Nebraskans
but there are a few duck species that most Nebraska
hunters will never bag. The reason may have nothing
to do with skill nor where one hunts, but rather because
there are a small number of ducks that rarely occur in
our state. Among these rare ducks is the surf scoter.
Often referred to as a sea duck, surf scoters breed
in northern boreal forests in Canada and Alaska and
primarily migrate and winter along the coasts. However,
a small number of surf scoters can migrate through the
interior United States, including Nebraska. Most reports
occur in the fall, usually involving immatures whose
general appearance is far less spectacular than their
adult counterparts.
Surf scoters are large ducks sporting big bills. Young
birds appear mostly blackish with contrasting paler
areas on the head and face. Females appear similar
to immatures. Adult male surf scoters are also black
overall, but possess ornately multi-colored bills and
clean white markings on the head. The appearance of
males has led some people to call these birds "skunk
heads," "clowns" or "candy corn bills."
Adult males and spring migrants are exceptionally
rare in the state. Mid-October to mid-November is the
peak period when one might find a surf scoter, especially
on the heels of a cold front. Birders specifically search
large reservoirs, lakes and even sewage lagoons to
look for this species and other rarities. Most sightings
in Nebraska involve single birds, pairs or trios, but
occasionally small flocks totaling 5-20 birds are
discovered.
By mere chance and happenstance, Nebraska hunters
do occasionally harvest surf scoter. If this has happened
or will happen to you in the future, consider yourself
among a lucky few. However, preparing a sea duck for
the table might require some additional research since
they are not considered the best-tasting fare.
Joel Jorgensen is the nongame bird program manager for
the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
SURF SCOTER
By Joel Jorgensen
PHOTO
BY
JONATHAN
NIKKILA
