2185 - Preening
One of several females Common Merganser wintering in a town lake. I love her gesture and expression as she is preening. The birds were nowhere as tame as the 'wild' Ring-necked, Mallards and Wigeons wintering at the same location. Theystayed further out and never came to feeding. However, they were used to people enough that they would not swim or fly away when one stopped. Reid Park, Tucson, Arizona, USA.30 January 2017
I am at a loss to explain the pale eye color. The eye of the species is described as dark brown, except for juveniles from July to September. Apparently all male birds have assumed their breeding plumage by January. So I will call this one an immature female.
2185 - Preening
One of several females Common Merganser wintering in a town lake. I love her gesture and expression as she is preening. The birds were nowhere as tame as the 'wild' Ring-necked, Mallards and Wigeons wintering at the same location. Theystayed further out and never came to feeding. However, they were used to people enough that they would not swim or fly away when one stopped. Reid Park, Tucson, Arizona, USA.30 January 2017
I am at a loss to explain the pale eye color. The eye of the species is described as dark brown, except for juveniles from July to September. Apparently all male birds have assumed their breeding plumage by January. So I will call this one an immature female.