Surf Scoter
I am often asked why I keep going back to the same location to photograph the same birds. The short answer is that there is always a better (or at least different) photograph to be taken. This is a Surf Scoter, a diving duck that comes to San Diego in the winter. Not common, but there are a few predictable locations where they can be seen. This is an image of a male, taken just before sunrise. I have been going this spot a number of times over the recent past. If I arrive while it is still dark and get set up, the birds will often come quite close. If I do not arrive before sunrise, they stay far away. Processed in PS, about 50% crop, bird brightened moderately.
Country United States
State California
Location Vacation Isle, San Diego
Gender Male
Age Adult
Activity Feeding in the Wild, In or By Water
- Created Timestamp03/12/2026 14:59:56
- CameraCanon EOS R5m2
- Aperture5.6
- CreditJim and/or Deb Babbitt
- Copyright2026
- Focal Length840
- Iso640
- Shutter Speed1/3200
Love surf scoters! I love your description of how you captured the image even more and I will certainly apply your technique the next time I visit Delaware Seashore State Park where all types of scoters are plentiful.
Great shot of the scoter before dawn. I appreciate your tip about arriving before daybreak to get a closer look at the birds.