There’s nothing subtle about them. The males you can ID from far away. It’s like they have big puffy heads.
I find them to be as shy as a Wood Duck. The only place I ever get consistent opportunities is the ponds around old Magnolia Cemetery. Even there most shots are long.
I waited along a hidden place on the bank of the pond to get these closer than normal, shots.
Below is a female. No crazy colors, but still a puffy head.
Mergansers are diving ducks and prefer fish caught under the surface. So, a shy bird, who swims under water. A good reason they are hard to photograph.
Mergansers spend the winter in the Lowcountry. We do have year round residents but I don’t see many and we are out and about often.
I love this small characterful birds, which we can see in the UK at one of the Wetland Trusts set up by Sir Peter Scott.
They give a great show, especially the males when trying to impress the ladies.
Love these birds. Cool ‘hair’ styling 😋
Mohawk style 😁😁
Nice photos! Whenever I see them (which isn’t often) they’re just out of range 😏
They’re good at that. My shots are usually long range with them.
I didn’t see a Hooded Merganser for a long time. They are adorable and interesting birds. Beautiful moments!
Shy, so I’m sure I see them but from too far to tell.
Gorgeous! I love the colors and their heads!
I love their colors too.