Date: 11/22/24 6:54 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Black Scoters Continuing at Alma WTP
Listen to the strange fluty whistles of the Black Scoter here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S56050609 On Thursday 21 November, 2024 at 09:09:31 pm GMT-6, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Indeed. Sandy, thank you so much for quickly sharing these birds with all of us. Doing so not only builds a sense of community among birders but also provides many folks the opportunity to see a once in a lifetime bird -- and what a handsome one this is!
The Black Scoter is a sea duck, preferring open ocean and saltwater with rocky shorelines along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, isolated areas in the Gulf and the Great Lakes in the winter. This preference results in limited opportunities to see this species in Arkansas. With the back pond at Alma WTP being as "small" as it is, it gives us birders great upclose looks at this bird. So thanks again!
Here's info on this hotspot. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L766829 Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Angie Nichols <campsintherain...> Date: 11/21/24 4:51 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Black Scoters Continuing at Alma WTP
Thank you, Sandy for reporting the Black Scoters and thank you Evan for staying and letting us look through your scope! Great experience! Evan, my apologies for being sooo bad at recognizing people! I will try to stop introducing myself to you over and over! I really need for you to wear a hat with a big old E on it so I can do better! Angie Nichols
Via phone
On Nov 21, 2024, at 1:41 PM, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Michael and I counted 21 at noon today, but more possible. Hard to count with all their active diving. However there are two Redheads, 2 female Scaup and several female Ruddy Ducks to work around. Easy to confuse.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Date: 11/19/24 1:18 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Black Scoters
I had a flock of at least 15 Black Scoters at the Alma Water Treatment Plant, including 3 adult males. Thankfully I got there early because half way around the back pond I saw a police officer drive in and put up the red flag. The shooting range is being used till 8:00 this evening so no civilians can go in. Always look for the red flag in the back left section of the plant. Of course I had to leave. Hopefully they’ll be there tomorrow. Other ducks included Red heads, Ring-necks, Lesser Scaup, Northern Shovelers, and a couple of Ruddy Ducks.
Sandy B.Crawford County
