A few days ago I had the opportunity to photograph this first winter Hooded Merganser at an urban pond that isn’t far from where I live after a heavy snow. I’ve been seeing this particular merganser since the middle of December.
First winter Hooded Merganser after a dive – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I can see more dark feathers on the forehead of this Hooded Merganser than I had previously but other than that it appears much the same as it did when I first saw it. It is as if its molt has stalled.
This Hooded Merganser is skittish and stays fairly far away from me whenever I see it even though this pond is fairly small. When I saw it is a few days ago the merganser was busy foraging for food. In this image it had just resurfaced from a dive.
I am hoping that the merganser sticks around for a while longer and that I will have an opportunity to photograph it from a closer perspective.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Hooded Merganser photos plus facts and information about this species.
The quality of the shot is remarkable. But what really captures my attention is the sense of quiet the image inspires. Wonderful pic. Thanks Mia.
I am so glad that you could get out – and love this capture.