Common Merganser male in nonbreeding plumage – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 320, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Last week I saw quite a few Common Mergansers at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge but I wasn’t able to get close enough to them to get any quality images but they reminded me of images I had been able to take of Common Mergansers several years ago at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area.
This is a male Common Merganser in nonbreeding plumage, if he were in breeding plumage his sides would be nearly all white and his head a very dark green.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Merganser photos plus facts and information about this species.
I get excited when I see mergansers. I love their behavior, their coloration, their hairdos. This image captures the plumage perfectly. Today, I saw a too-distant flock of Barrow’s Goldeneyes, common here in the winter. I took one shot just for ID purposes and when I offloaded it, I noticed a solitary male Hooded Merganser hanging out in the raft. It was a delightful surprise.
Ingrid, I love their shaggy hairdos too! And those saw bills. I keep looking for the Hoodies but haven’t been as fortunate as you!
Great image of a male in non-breeding plumage with that characteristic white wing patch. Really nice light you had!
Thanks Wally, the light and the bird were wonderful.
Hi! what a perfect picture! Colors are so great! enjoy your daily pic’s so much! I love the water birds
I’m so happy you enjoy the daily photos Mom!
Nice picture of a female Common Mergansers. Mergansers do not change their plumage colors seasonally.
Hi Doug, the males in all three of the Merganser species (Hooded, Common and Red-breasted) that are found on North America change plumage seasonally, the big Sibley Guide to Birds illustrates that well. A female Common Merganser would not have the white wing patch that my male bird displays. Thanks for your comment.
These are such beautiful birds. I always snap shots of a bird when it’s near because I don’t know if I’ll get a good one the next time:)
Chris, I always take images of birds that are near too, I’m addicted to bird photography! Thanks for commenting.
Brilliant photo of the Merganser, cheers Mia.
Thanks Bob, it was a beautiful bird.
The colors are so beautiful and soft!
Thanks Charlotte!
what a delightful photo..I did not know they change colors like this..we don’t have them stay in Pagosa Country very long..thanks for sharing a beautiful photo..
Thank you Syl.
Fabulous! I love all the wintery colors in the image too.
Thanks Laurence, I loved the colors reflected in the water too.
Whar wonderful colours and plumage!
Thanks Maria, this male would be even more colorful in breeding plumage