Back to gallery

DRAKE HOODED MERGANSER 1191-138

©Harris Brown-ALL rights reserved. This image may not be used for ANY purpose without written permission.

 

Edwin Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Oceanville NJ, USA

 

“Hooded” is something of an understatement for this extravagantly crested little duck. Adult males are a sight to behold, with sharp black-and-white patterns set off by chestnut flanks. Females get their own distinctive elegance from their cinnamon crest. Hooded Mergansers are fairly common on small ponds and rivers, where they dive for fish, crayfish, and other food, seizing it in their thin, serrated bills. They nest in tree cavities; the ducklings depart with a bold leap to the forest floor when only one day old.

 

Nikon D7200 with Nikon 500mm f4 G ED VR lens and 1.4 converter.

1/2000 f5.6 ISO 640

 

Thanks to all who take the time to view, comment on and favor my images-it is greatly appreciated.

 

3,186 views
120 faves
61 comments
Uploaded on March 7, 2016
Taken on February 18, 2016