Hooded Merganser Trio
© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 19716527 - Hooded Mergansers; Walton County, Georgia. January 17, 2019.
Thursday, January 17, 2019, 8:15 AM - During my lunch break, I had a brief moment to wander up to the main retention pond behind my office in Walton County, Georgia. A trio of Hooded Mergansers were diving in the northeast corner of the pond. The Hooded Merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus, is a small duck species found in North America. Since they typically winter on ice-free ponds, lakes and rivers, they love the mild winters of Georgia and usually show up here in the fall and winter. Beginning in November, I can expect a few to take up residence on the nearby retention pond.
© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 19716527 - Hooded Mergansers; Walton County, Georgia. January 17, 2019.
The “Hoodies” are always quite skittish and rapidly swim away or take to the air as soon as they notice my approach. So this morning I stealthily snuck around the pond, hiding myself below the high bank. I took up a nook in some bushes and waited until they came to me.
Just then, a public works truck passed the far end of the pond, pushing the nervous mergansers my direction! I was able to grab a few photographs as they swam by. But sure enough, they were quick to hear my shutter clicks and spot me. The female was the first to notice. With breeding season not too far away, I suppose the two males were too busy thinking of something else!
© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 19716527 - Hooded Mergansers; Walton County, Georgia. January 17, 2019.
Walton County, Georgia USA, January 17, 2019
- Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.
- Sunrise 7:38 am; Sunset 5:49 pm
- Daylight Hours: 10 hours, 11 minutes (+1m 13s)
- Moon: 83% Waxing Gibbous
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)Observer
williamwisephotoDescription
Hooded Merganser; Walton County, Georgia. See birding and nature photo journals at http://www.williamwisephoto.com/nature-photography.html.
During my lunch break, I had a brief moment to wander up to the main retention pond. Two pairs of Hooded Mergansers we’re diving in the northeast corner of the pond. The Mergansers are always quite skittish shot away as soon as they notice a person. I stealthily snuck around, hiding myself below the high bank. I’d wait until they come to me.
Just then, a public works truck passed the far end of the pond, driving the mergansers my direction! I was able to grab a few photographs as they swim by. But sure enough, they were quick to see me. The female was first the to notice. I suppose the two males were too busy thinking of something else!
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