Surf Scoter

This Surf Scoter was spotted for a week resting on various docks in Mukilteo. We were concerned when we heard the news as scoters do not spend time on land during the winter. Once she was captured, she arrived with injuries to her wrists and a laceration on her keel. Her keel injury likely compromised her waterproofing, which in turn prevented her from thermoregulating in the cold waters of the Puget Sound. She likely injured her wings while getting up on docks whenever she got too cold. Our veterinary team cleaned all wounds and sutured closed the laceration. She is still fighting an infection but has regained her waterproofing! We are hoping for a full recovery soon.

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