Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Red-breasted Mergansers


During my last wetlands visit I was surprised when a small flock of immature Red-breasted Mergansers landed about my hiding spot



The young birds were mildly alarmed by my presence; taking evasive action disappearing into the brush surrounding the marsh.

This was the first time that I had ever encountered immature mergansers in our area and had been unaware that any mergansers nested here.

13 comments:

Tim Rucci said...

Nice shots, Coy. I don't think I've ever seen the youngsters of this species before. Thanks for sharing

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: Those were some neat shots of the little ducks.

Montanagirl said...

Great captures, Coy. I have never seen any of these before.

imac said...

Wonderful captures Coy, really love the 2nd shot tho, really cute, and tufty, Like a punk rocker.lol.

photowannabe said...

I have now learned a new duck name. I love the crest on these young-uns.

Elaine said...

Beautiful shots. To have them land in front of you must have felt like a gift from heaven.

Meggie said...

What a pleasant, beautiful surprise! Glad you were able to "capture" the moment.

Michele said...

I have not seen nor heard of the Mergansers but what an interesting little duck. They appear to be quite fast little swimmers.
The different little plumage on the heads, are they because of male and female or because of age?
They are adorable and you were lucky to be in that spot at the right time!

Mel said...

Great shots! The second one is my favourite!

Leedra said...

They always appear to be having a 'bad hair' day.

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Anonymous said...

Sure they are not hooded mergansers (which are common through out PA and will use wood duck boxes to nest in)?

Chris said...

Hi Coy,
These are fantastic shots of a bird I'm not gonna see over here!! Maybe I'll have to travel to the other continent one day!

Catherine said...

Beautiful!! Love the second shot~the colors..and so serene!
Caat