What species and are they good to eat?

[at2smithjason]

I ride the Clinton-Mukilteo Ferry every day to and from work and in the mornings and mixed in with the seagulls are all black ducks with a white spot on their head.  I have heard them called target ducks, I have done some research on google and I cant find what the actual name is.  I was also wondering that since these ducks dive for food and eat barnicles, are they good eating or are they just something that looks nice and would make a nice stuffed trophy for a first duck hunt.

[tinsleystyle]

surf scoter. gotta have a permit to hunt them in Washington. they're part of the sea ducks.

[Encore 280]

Buffleheads or Golden eyes?

[RELV]

I don't find any of the diving ducks to be particularly palatable.  I have tried everyone of them that are around western Washington specifically the Dugualla Bay area of Whidbey Island.

[at2smithjason]

I don't find any of the diving ducks to be particularly palatable.  I have tried everyone of them that are around western Washington specifically the Dugualla Bay area of Whidbey Island.

Do you think its because of what they are eating, or is it something else?

[lokidog]

They are actually eating clams and snails, not barnacles.  They are definitely stronger tasting than mallards and widgeon.  If you are on the fence about liking duck, you will not like them in all likelihood.

Here is a photo of the gizzard contents from a White-winged Scoter (yours sounds like Surf Scoter as mentioned if the white is on the back of the head) I got yesterday.  The one last week just had soft stuff in it though.

We eat them ground up and made into Salsbury Steak, spices and gravy do wonders.   

[RELV]

It's what they are eating.  The best duck I ever ate was green wing teal.  Those were delicious.

[ackbizzle]

I ate a few last year and thought they were good, just needs to brine for a few days

[Hilltop123]

They are actually eating clams and snails, not barnacles.  They are definitely stronger tasting than mallards and widgeon.  If you are on the fence about liking duck, you will not like them in all likelihood.

Here is a photo of the gizzard contents from a White-winged Scoter (yours sounds like Surf Scoter as mentioned if the white is on the back of the head) I got yesterday.  The one last week just had soft stuff in it though.

We eat them ground up and made into Salsbury Steak, spices and gravy do wonders.   

Oh a 2 for 1...little necks with your duck

[Hunterman]

They are actually eating clams and snails, not barnacles.  They are definitely stronger tasting than mallards and widgeon.  If you are on the fence about liking duck, you will not like them in all likelihood.

Here is a photo of the gizzard contents from a White-winged Scoter (yours sounds like Surf Scoter as mentioned if the white is on the back of the head) I got yesterday.  The one last week just had soft stuff in it though.

We eat them ground up and made into Salsbury Steak, spices and gravy do wonders.   

I've heard of "surf and turf" but "quack and clams" sound good to 

Hunterman(Tony)

[huntingfool7]

They are actually eating clams and snails, not barnacles.  They are definitely stronger tasting than mallards and widgeon.  If you are on the fence about liking duck, you will not like them in all likelihood.

Here is a photo of the gizzard contents from a White-winged Scoter (yours sounds like Surf Scoter as mentioned if the white is on the back of the head) I got yesterday.  The one last week just had soft stuff in it though.

We eat them ground up and made into Salsbury Steak, spices and gravy do wonders.   

Oh a 2 for 1...little necks with your duck

Pre tenderized clams at that!

[lokidog]

Oops, forgot the size reference, that black rock is about 1/2 inch across.

[Hilltop123]

Oops, forgot the size reference, that black rock is about 1/2 inch across.

I did say LITTLE necks........Hey, you need a special permit, to hunt sea ducks in Washington now? I have in out of the duck seen awhile.
 

[lokidog]

Yes, it's under the Waterfowl Authorization category, $13.20 plus dealer fee.

[Hilltop123]

Wow, everyday that passes, I wish I was a kid again.......but I would have to know what I know today, back then.