Hooded Merganser Flock

Once our banding sessions are done this time of year I take a detour through Maitland Center to see if I can find Hooded Mergansers in the retention ponds. They arrive in small numbers earlier but by now there are dozens of them feeding and swimming between ponds. They also begin to perform courtship displays now and I got lucky to be there at the right time today.

Not going to make too many comments since I have so many shots but will elaborate about some images. Just enjoy the views. I always seem to get them in this formation under cloudy skies but I love these little divers. We begin with a female.



Next, a few male portraits.









Another female checks out the suitors around her.



A view of a male more head-on showing how thin they can appear.



Not sleeping. Just fluffing out those head feathers.



How about a little tail feather crown?







The tension is building...



Males begin to size one another up.





Now, the displays start! Head wagging and swimming toward each other in signs of supremacy.



My favorite part is when they paddle their feet and rare up out of the water. The female up front is even getting into the action!



One male stretches his neck toward his rival.



Another tilt to the skies.



Then relax.



Puff up that belly and crest.



Now thrust!



Sometimes you can look cool only so long until the wind ruins your perfect quaff.



Finally, a winning male follows a female to pair up.



A great half-hour hanging out with the Mergansers. I should have a few more weeks to get shots. Can't wait!