There has been a decline of surf scoters, white scoters, and black scoters. A large population of common scoters (sea duck) was found near the site. The closest evolutionary relatives of the Labrador duck are apparently the scoters ("Melanitta"). These include surf scoters and black scoters, which have been observed there in the winter. Studies showed a strong fidelity in the nesting areas of surf scoters over the years. The lake provides habitat for migrating scaup, three varieties of scoters and Canada geese. Other birds that eat sand crabs include willets, godwits, surf scoters, blackbellied plovers, and curlews. Adjacent waters serve as wintering habitat for brant, scoters, American black duck, and other waterfowl. Rafts of eiders, scoters and loons are present in the winter. The scoters are stocky seaducks in the genus Melanitta. Surf scoters form pairs on wintering and staging grounds. Surf scoters are generally silent and their few vocalizations are poorly known. As the prey landscape changes, surf scoters will adjust their foraging effort and habitat selection.