Surf Scoter - Melanitta perspicillata

Surf Scoters may have declined as much as 50% since 1950, probably from multiple factors.They breed across Alaska and Northern Canada, and in winter while here they forage on mussels, clams and herring roe. The male Surf Scoter is easily identified by his outrageously colored bill and white forehead patch. Here we can also appreciate the pearly color of his eye:

There is an even larger white patch on the back of the male's head.

Note the forward location of the nostril and how the black feathering extends well over the top of the bill, and the swollen profile of the bill's top.

The female is more subdued, a study in browns, relieved only by two white patches on the side of the head. She lacks the pearly white pupil as well.

Side view shows how the bill shape differs from that of the male's.

And one last view of this cooperative scoter, nice enough to pause after each dive.