A stop at the Fox River in Waukesha late morning today gave nice views of a Hooded Merganser, male. It hung around with a large flock of Mallards at times. Once it came up on the shore as someone had tossed out some corn, it appeared to eat a piece. It stood there as the Mallards ate the corn, like it did not know what it was suppose to do there. One time on the water I saw it eat a crayfish. For the most part it felt right at home with the Mallards. Not much else was on the river where I was other than a few Canada Geese. What a beautiful duck! It was a very gloomy day, with the mild temps it did not feel too bad for January. Images were taken from January 22, – February 6, 2017
Hooded Merganser, male
Hooded Merganser
Binomial name: Lophodytes cucullatus
Category: Duck, Geese, and Swans
Size: 18” long, 24” wing span
Weight: 1.4 lb
Hood up
Hood up
Hood down
With corn
Hood down before a dive
The dive
The dive
Preening
Preening
Preening
Hood up
Hood down
At you
Crayfish snack!
Preening
Preening
Preening
Preening
Hood is up!
Hood is up!
On the ice
Best friends! The Hooded Merganser follows the Mallard, female around all day, he is always at her side..:)
Hood is down!
Hood is up, just a walk on shore following around the female Mallard
Stretching
Hood is down!
A quick drink!
Oh ho Jim!!!! some of your best!! Great start for
2017!! Thanks from Peggy in Madison
My favorite merganser! Thanks for sharing these great shots.
Incredible Jim!!!! Enjoyed them, as always.
Some really great shots Jim! Especially love “Hood Up” – it’s so neat to see him on the grass!
Thank you for sharing..amazingly beautiful duck and photos!
Beautiful pictures Jim!
Beautiful shots Jim. As the corn was way off his menu he was probably a little bewildered ! That picture gives a great view of his fish catching bill.
Awesome pics. Makes me wish for spring. Thanks for sharing
Terrific photos! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your talent with us again!
Amazing shots.
Jim, to your knowledge, do they mate with Mallards? I’ve been looking for evidence of a “family” on the Riverwalk, but haven’t even seen our mirganser for a couple of weeks.