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

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.