| Summary: | The behaviour of Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata ) was studied on staging grounds in spring of 2006 and compared to behaviour on moulting grounds later that summer. Moulting Surf Scoters have a distinct activity pattern in comparison to those on spring staging grounds. During moult, foraging occurs mainly in the morning and evening, whereas during the spring a similar proportion of birds foraged at all periods of the day. Birds having recently initiated moult foraged significantly less that on staging grounds. However, as moult progressed, this discrepancy disappeared. In addition, we tracked the movements of flightless Surf Scoters using satellite telemetry during the 2006 wing-moult period. Despite their reduced mobility, Surf Scoters are able to swim long distances while flightless. However, the majority of their activities are carried out within small core areas. This study also indicates that satellite telemetry can be used effectively to track the daily movements of wildlife.
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