Red-Breasted Mergansers

[bulldurham]

This is a female in Winter plumage. If anyone has ever tried shooting one of these, you'll know the difficultly in getting close. They are just about as skittish as a belted Kingfisher. This one seemed oblivious to my presence and allowed a multitude of frames before she became aware and then it was off to the races...still, a rare opportunity taken advantage of.

The birds fish by sticking their heads in the water, then paddling furiously along the surface until they snag a small fish, which is promptly eaten and the game begins anew. This poor gal never got one fish that I could determine.

 

[baturn]

Very nice!

 

[Hunter58]

Nice shots. Seeing more of them now.

 

[LarryLomona]

Wonderful shot.

 

[Donde]

Excellent.