The tiny pond in my neighborhood has a rare occupant every winter. I finally saw him recently and stopped by to take his picture. The hooded merganser was the only duck in the pond that wasn’t a muscovy duck. He usually has a mate with him but this morning he was alone. I hope she’s just late getting in from up north. I hope he doesn’t spend the winter alone in this little pond.
Hooded mergansers are very skittish. He stayed across the little pond at first. I sat down on the grass and all of the muscovy ducks came swimming over to me. They sat next to me and I guess the hoody thought I wasn’t a threat because he did swim a little closer. He never got all the way to the edge or up on the bank but he did get much closer than usual. He also spent some time preening in front of me which a good sign but maybe he’s lonely. I’m going to keep looking for that lady duck.
The faces that get no respect, the muscovies came right up to me and I’m assuming they were looking for a handout. After a few minutes they just plopped right down next to me. I didn’t feel like getting up so I started taking pictures of their faces. They are almost like snowflakes, no two faces are just alike.
They got bored with me and started snoozing. It was time to go home.
Love the community life of the pond, great photos.
Hi Dina, about those Muscovy ducks every time I go shopping in back of Publix there are quite a few. One female had a broken leg and I don’t see her anymore. The Male is all alone now (sniff) I still feed him. It’s so funny he recognizes me and comes running…..I should bring my camera and post a picture. Happy New Year Dina 🙂
Raymonde S
Those Muscovy ducks aren’t the world’s most lovely, are they? Nonetheless, you’ve captured them well!
Thanks for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/12/little-painted-desert.html
Wow! magnificent nature macro shots!
Wishing you a Happy New Year,
artmusedog and carol
The merganser is adorable, and I will be looking forward to news of his mate’s arrival. Meanwhile, the muscovies must be used to human contact, if they’re bold enough to sit beside you. I always enjoy your adventures. Kay Alberta, Canada
Interesting birds. So unusual.
Wonderful images X
The vireo is wonderful! Glad you were able to get the shots you did! Love the flicker and ducks as well. Great post!