melanitta (from melos, black, and netta, duck) fusca (dusky)
Sunday, February 14, 1982 — 2:35 pm
Racine, Wisconsin — Wind Point — Lake Michigan
A flock of about 15 White-winged Scoters were flying south approximately a quarter mile off the point. They flew in single-file, just above the surface. They bunched up close together for a while, then stretched out in a long, stringy line, then bunched up again. They continued in this fashion until they disappeared from view.
A second flock was also headed south, led by a female for a while. As I watched, they slowed and landed, gliding in near a flock of Red-breasted Mergansers. They floated, usually hidden behind the waves. The Mergansers took off, followed by two scoters. I couldn’t find the others. I imagine they took off below wave level. I also saw individuals and small groups headed north and south.