The Hooded Mergansers tend to be shy and I usually see them retreating shortly after I spot them. I happened to be sitting on a low wall watching a pond when these two swam by me, close enough to get a shot.
The brown reeds and grasses of late winter made a golden glow on the water, a nice complement to these gorgeous ducks. The male is certainly flashier, especially when he has his hood up, but the female is an understated beauty.
2/5/2018
What a treat to pass you by! These are gorgeous ducks, great shots, Denise!
Such a nice surprise subject.
We had a brood of Mergansers as neighbors camping at Long Lake, NY. Once they became accustomed to us, they swam by regularly for treats, though never came too close for comfort.
Paz
What fun to have them as neighbors!