20220116-DSC_4182 - Common Merganser
This hardy species of the merganser family will winter further north than any of the other members and will stay with us during the winter months as long as the water stays open. They prefer fresh water to salt water.
Alaska to Newfoundland is their breeding territory and they don't seem to have a nesting preference using anything from man-made boxes to nesting cavities to nesting on the ground.
They do tend to be one of the more social waterfowl species and can be found in huge flocks on lakes and do accept other species of diving ducks midst their own numbers.
Lots of open water is an asset to them when they go airborne as they require a running start across the top of the water for a distance. Once in the air they fly a straight line to their destination.
Females like this one make good use of their long body toting their ducklings around after they hatch.
20220116-DSC_4182 - Common Merganser
This hardy species of the merganser family will winter further north than any of the other members and will stay with us during the winter months as long as the water stays open. They prefer fresh water to salt water.
Alaska to Newfoundland is their breeding territory and they don't seem to have a nesting preference using anything from man-made boxes to nesting cavities to nesting on the ground.
They do tend to be one of the more social waterfowl species and can be found in huge flocks on lakes and do accept other species of diving ducks midst their own numbers.
Lots of open water is an asset to them when they go airborne as they require a running start across the top of the water for a distance. Once in the air they fly a straight line to their destination.
Females like this one make good use of their long body toting their ducklings around after they hatch.