Hooded Mergansers are small ducks that are seen in the fall and winter at the Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. The male ones have a prominent crest (hood) in black and white, making them stand out from other ducks. This year there seems to be many Hooded Mergansers, male and female, and I had no problem shooting the following photos.
Male Hooded Merganser.
Female Hooded Merganser.
Hooded Margansers. The male was just coming out of a dive.
As I was taking a shot, one Hooded Merganser decided to fly. I missed capturing that take-off.
Hooded Mergansers.
The following day, almost at the same place, I was chatting with a fellow photographer when a male Hooded Merganser decided to fly.
Male Hooded Merganser starting flight.
After about a minute, I saw him, accompanied by a female, flying overhead.
Hooded Mergansers flying.
Hooded Margansers flying.
They’re great-looking little ducks, aren’t they? I love seeing them, but those images in flight are special – in person, you never see those details, like the way the white on the male’s head sweeps up. Wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was the first time I was able to photograph them in flight. Uusually they are either too fast or too far, or both!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great images of one of my favorite species of ducks! I hope that they stick around until spring and that you’re able to watch and listen to their courting rituals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jerry! There are more of them this year, so I will try to watch and listen to their courtship rituals as you said.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Superb shots of a gorgeously striking duck!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Donna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always think that hooded ducks like these look a bit crazy!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha, ha! Wait until you see one of their bad hair day photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love their stunning eyes and “hairdos” ๐ These winter ducks are beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When the wind messes with their hoods, it makes for some interesting images, “bad hair” days I guess. I have some that I may post of these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Look forward to it! ๐
LikeLike
The male Hooded Merganser is so cute! Great captures of Hooded Margansers flying.
LikeLike
These ducks are really among the cutest. Thank you Amy!
LikeLike
Such distinctive markings, they are a handsome bird. I really like the capture of them flying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am still learning to read their body language, in order to be able to capture them as they suddenly take off to the air.
LikeLike