With two drake Surf Scoters seen just along the coast at Pensarn yesterday there was only one place to be at dawn today. As the light came up it was soon obvious that thousands of Common Scoter were offshore and reasonably close inshore. The problem was that a strong north wind was turning the sea into a heaving mass of waves and troughs which swallowed the birds. This same wind was bitter cold and eyes ran with tears. What with the waves and watering eyes it was hard to check each flock of scoter for any rarities. But we kept at it despite loosing touch with toes and fingers, so cold it hurt! Periodically the flocks took to the air and circled low over the churning sea, this was our chance to pick out Velvet Scoters and we had great views of the larger scoter with clean white wing patches. At least twenty-two Velvet Scoter were counted amongst the Common Scoters. Occasionally it was possible to pick out Velvet Scoters on the sea, the drakes yellow bills and white eye-patches visible, all too soon we lost them in the huge swell. After two hours of scanning we were numb with cold and still no sign of any Surf Scoters despite the fact that some fifteen birders were all scanning the sea. Time to head for home and a much needed thaw out.