Bob Augustine and I met at Violette's Lock this morning about 9:45 to look
for the White-wing Scoter. We set up by the picnic table just upriver from
the lock. In about 2-3 minutes we observed the Scoter flying from the first
rapids, up river about 200 yds. and landing in the water. The size of the
bird and the large white wing patches clearly set it apart from the other
ducks. We watched it in our scopes for about 15-20 minutes as it drifted
back toward the rapids and then watched it fly up river again. We had
excellent looks at the bird both in the water and in the air.
From there, we went to Riley's Lock at Seneca; I was hoping to re-find the
drake and hen Long-tailed Ducks I had seen there in the rain on Sunday
morning. NO luck!
However, the river offered a consolation sighting.  I found 13 (drakes and
hens)  Red-breasted Mergansers, drifting down the river right in front of
us; very nice views.  As we were scoping the river, a group of 53 Tundra
Swans flew over us calling loudly. Both the Red-necked  and two Horned
grebes were seen; also a group of 5-6 Northern Pintails (Bob said they were
not there yesterday); a pair of Wood Ducks and of Hooded Mergansers, and the
usual stuff: Lessor Scaup, Ring-necked, Widgeon, Gadwall, Redhead,
Canvasback, and Coots. When we first  arrived there were hundreds of Tree
Swallows working the surface of the river. By the time we left most had gone
elsewhere.
It was a nice hour-and-a-half on the river.
-- 
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.

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