[Maine-birds] Re: Big Grtr Scaup Flock

Yesterday (Sunday) I relocated the large flock of scaup, west of Birch Island, north of the Mere Pt boat ramp, at high tide, 11:15 to 11:45 AM. 

Conditions for counting were better, and I reached a total of 1,100.  All Greater Scaup.  At times this flock intermingled with members of an adjacent flock of scoters (WW and SRF).

Scanning and counting carefully during the half-hour, the flock slowly drifted one way or another.  The flock of scoters was more stable, and closer to Birch Island. 

Enroute home, I stopped to look from Simpson's Point.  This bunch was not visible from there.

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On Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 5:24:48 PM UTC-5, Mike Fahay wrote:

I finally caught up with a big bunch of Greater Scaup I've been chasing since Dec 09 when it was west of Birch Island, north of Mere Pt Boat Landing.  On  the 16th of Dec., in roughly the same location, I counted 731, but that total included some Lesser Scaup. 

On Jan 08, I counted ca 600 (not ID'd to sp.) when the flock was off Barnes Pt, vis from Simpson's Pt.  (Upper Middle Bay).   Then I lost track of the flock and began searching from vantage Points all around the northern part of Casco Bay.  Yesterday, I finally ran into what must be the same bunch between Mere Pt. and Little Flying Point, Lower Maquoit Bay.  I had decent scope views (in near perfect conditions) and counted 568 Greater Scaup, while searching (in vain) for Lessers or other diving duck spp. 

LLBean's Paddling Center provides a good vantage point, provided they don't move  to another favored locale.  It's Private Property, but permission is usually granted if you ask nicely. 

A flock that big has to contain something else, species-wise.  Casco Bay holds a lot of winter ducks, but birding it can be maddening.  Many view-blocking islands,  mostly private property around the perimeter, and no ferry service north of Chebeague Island.  Occasional duck hunters can stir up the flocks as well.  Maybe a good reason for a birdwatcher to keep his or her boat in the water over the winter. 

I haven't yet figured out if this bunch has daily habits that would take it elsewhere.  Have no idea where they might spend the overnight...perhaps offshore??  Finally, not much of the bay is freezing up yet this year.  I'm sure the distribution of ice will have an effect on wintering ducks as well. 

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