Observations of Above-Surface Littoral Foraging in Two Sea Ducks, Barrow's Goldeneye, Bucephala islandica, and Surf Scoter, Melanitta perspicillata, in Coastal Southwestern British Columbia

Authors

  • Deborah L. Lacroix Centre for Wildlife Ecology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6
  • Kenneth G. Wright 6090 Blink Bonnie Road, West Vancouver, British Columbia V7W 1V8
  • Daniel Kent Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 3X8

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v118i2.925

Keywords:

Barrow's Goldeneye, Bucephala islandica, Surf Scoter, Melanitta perspicillata, foraging behaviour, sea ducks, Bay Mussels, Mytilus trossulus, British Columbia

Abstract

Barrow's Goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica) and Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) were observed on four separate occasions, by three different observers, foraging on Bay Mussels (Mytilus trossulus) above the water surface. This unique foraging behaviour could be attributed to diurnal spring tides and reduced lower intertidal mussel abundance.

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Issue

Vol. 118 No. 2 (2004)

Section

Notes

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