At last! Some interesting Northern waterfowl tourists made an appearance--a flock of seven Red-breasted Mergansers spent the day frolicking on the lake. They appear to be females or immature males because they have a coppery heads with ragged crests; the adult male has a greenish black head and a white ring around the neck. The Merganser's long thin bill is ideal for catching fish, tadpoles, and crustaceans. Here's some video of these striking ducks. Note how gracefully they dive.
This winter hasn't been that exciting on the lake because I've seen very few migratory waterfowl. In past years Teals, Buffleheads, Snow Geese, and Ring-Necked Ducks stopped by for a swim and a meal. Until today, only two pair of Hooded Mergansers showed up, but the good news is that they stayed for the whole winter. Maybe things are looking up and, as spring approaches, more migratory waterfowl will stop by for some Southern hospitality.
Comments