Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) off Taylor Beach

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Surf Scoter off Taylor Beach: photo by Garry Fletcher

From September on through winter we see flocks of Surf Scoters feeding offshore on Taylor Beach . Today they were 100 metres offshore. They usually do not approach the shore as closely as the grebes and loons.

“The British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Land and Parks (BC Conservation Data Centre 2000) has designated them as a “Blue Listed”  species. Blue List taxa are of special concern because of characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to disturbance from human activities or natural events. Blue-listed taxa are at risk, but are not extirpated, endangered or threatened (Master 1991). “(SFU biology)

A western grebe hangs out with a flock of Surf Scoters

A western grebe hangs out with a flock of Surf scoters

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Surf Scoters on Taylor beach Oct 28, 2014

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Subfamily: Merginae
Genus: Melanitta
Species: M. perspicillata

Material Safety Data Sheet for Diluted Bitumin (Dilbit)

From the National Energy Board we can find out what is in Dilbit and what precautions we need when it lands on the shores of Metchosin.
You can see the original in this link : or as copied in the images below:

https://docs.neb-one.gc.ca/ll-eng/llisapi.dll/fetch/2000/90464/90552/548311/956726/2392873/2450810/2478758/2522888/Material_Safety_Data_Sheet_-_Diluted_Bitumen_-_A4A9D1.pdf?nodeid=2508614&vernum=-2

ALSO: The following link gives the Occupational and Health Guidelines for Benzene, a Potential Human Carcinogen

https://docs.neb-one.gc.ca/ll-eng/llisapi.dll/fetch/2000/90464/90552/548311/956726/2392873/2450810/2478758/2522888/Occupational_Safety_and_Health_Guideline_for_Benzene_-_A4A9D2.pdf?nodeid=2504533&vernum=-2

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