White-winged Scoter and 8 Surf Scoter at Inch

An adult male White-winged Scoter was at Inch on Wednesday, 30th October. There have been massive Common Scoter flocks offshore there since mid-July, with some 3000+ birds present, but they were almost always several kilometres out into the bay, well beyond identification distance.

However, in recent days, the flocks have generally been moving closer inshore, and with calm conditions and little swell on Wednesday, they were (mostly) within telescope range.

A male White-winged Scoter was present, but also, 8 Surf Scoters, with groups of 5 (3 males, 2 females), 2 (adult males), and a single female/juvenile in among the 1200 or so scoter close inshore.

Male White-winged Scoter (left bird), Inch, 30th October 2024 (Michael O'Clery).

 It's reasonable to assume that this adult male White-winged Scoter is a returning male from the three which were present at this site last winter, at the time, an adult and two first-winters.

The count of eight Surf Scoter at Inch is a record count for Kerry, and possibly Ireland. Have to check that one.

The intriguing part is that at least another 2000 scoter were still waaaay out in the bay. What else might be out there?

 

The following day, there was also an adult male Surf Scoter at Gowlane, Brandon Bay.

Adult male Surf Scoter, Gowlane, Brandon Bay, 30th October 2024 (Michael O'Clery).

 

Adult male Surf Scoter, Gowlane, Brandon Bay, 30th October 2024 (Michael O'Clery).

Two male Eiders were also out in Brandon Bay.

Adult male Eider, Gowlane, Brandon Bay, 30th October 2024 (Michael O'Clery).