Last month I photographed this hen Common Merganser in a small spot of open water next to an ice shelf at Bear River MBR. It was a very cold morning.
Hen Common Merganser flapping her wings next to an ice shelf – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There were Great Blue Herons, Common Goldeneyes, and Common Mergansers in and near the small area of open water. The goldeneyes and mergansers were the most plentiful birds there that morning. When this hen merganser moved away from the other birds, I briefly focused on her. It was challenging to isolate a single bird for my photos that morning, as they were in such close proximity to each other.
The diving ducks in the patch of open water were slightly skittish. Of the two species, the mergansers seemed the most flighty and were the most likely to take off because of any disturbances.
Hen Common Merganser bathing in icy water – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
That morning the Common Mergansers also appeared to be the most likely of the two duck species to bathe in the icy, deep blue water. When this hen started bathing I locked my focus on her. Unfortunately for me several of the goldeneyes and mergansers moved in and obstructed my view of her.
I don’t always get the images that I hope to take when I am out in the field. In fact, I don’t get the images I desire all that often. However, what I do get is time spent relaxing in nature, peace, quiet, and the opportunity to admire and learn from my feathered subjects. That brings me joy.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Merganser photos plus facts and information about this species.
It is indeed the whole experience and the one photo that makes you scream with excitement when you get to see it on the screen.
I especially like her pose in the first shot. Being able to look out at beautiful, natural scenery is definitely a bonus! I enjoy living vicariously through your blog, Mia.
Lovely shot. We don’t see mergansers often in the Sarasota area.—Jeri
Great shots of one of my favorite birds. I seldom tire of watching them.
Nice shots but yes, I’ve come to accept that those who say
” It’s about the journey, not the destination” have it right, so if you enjoy the time in nature you spend there, that’s what’s really important.