Surf Scoters

I saw a lone Surf Scoter the other day. It was very disappointing. Surf Scoters have always been one of the most common visitors here all winter long. They usually have appeared in small groups in the Fall and by February I have seen huge groups. February, 2011 I reported 400 Surf Scoters. These large groups seemed to gather here for a few days and be off somewhere else. When here one of the most entertaining things they do is form long lines. But since about 2013 or 2014 the population has dramatically reduced. I report small groups from 2015 to now and I saw a large group in April 2020. But since then I am fortunate to see any. In fact I did not report any in 2021 or 2022. I do see Surf Scoters in other locations so they have not disappeared from the Salish Sea but I miss them in my bay.