Friday, January 31, 2014

More Mergansers

More of the hooded mergansers from the lake behind our State Capitol. I am so happy to learn that these are year-round residents here, though this is the first year I've seen them. More information may be found at allaboutbirds.org.






You aren't wealthy until you have something money can't buy.
Garth Brooks

Linking with Weekend Reflections and Saturday's Critters.

55 comments:

Nancy's Notes said...

Grat photography! I'm not sure if I've ever seen a hooded merganser! They are very interesting looking, aren't they? Great post.

Indrani said...

Looks like some kind of wooing is going on.
Great captures!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...


pretty

Ruth Hiebert said...

I've seen lots of pictures of these ducks and have taken a few myself,but these are the best I have seen.

TexWisGirl said...

FABULOUS shots! clear as a bell!

Unknown said...

Oh I love their hairdo's! The detail in these images are incredible, fantastic capture's Gail. Happy Friday!

don said...

These shots are so good looking. The color scheme of these ducks is marvelous.

Anonymous said...

Great shots of these beauties.

James said...

What beautiful ducks! I think I've only seen this type in pictures. Nice shots!

EG CameraGirl said...

Oh, I didn't know they lived there year round! Lucky you!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

You always find the coolest looking birds.

Anonymous said...

Wow, they kind of look like space aliens!

'Tsuki said...

What a cutie !!! Nice choice for the week indeed !

Anita Johnson said...

I always thought the wood duck was my favorite, until I saw a hooded merganser. It is really an incredible bird!

Anonymous said...

I am loving these ducks with their convertible tops. Dianne

renae said...

Oh I LOVE THAT QUOTE by Garth Brooks. So true. I have my awesome family so I am indeed wealthy. wow.

Thanks for your awesome (((hugs))) today. You are sooooo cool and I love you, I do! ♥

renae said...

doh, i'm rude!

This little duck is so fun but it is the way you photograph water, that just blows me away!!!!!!!

Debbie said...

oh they are so adorable and i adore those cute popping tail feathers on what i assume?? is the male!!

i wonder if those "do's" require hair gel?? hehe

awesome photography!!

Viera said...

such colourful ducks... I've never seen it before... Lovely shots...

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I was going to ask if that was a crest or if their heads are shaped that way. And then I saw the photos of them with their crests down. Very impressive bird. Great shots, my friend.

Hilary said...

Wonderful shots, Gail. I have only seen these guys a few times and never real close, so I'm very much enjoyed your fine images.

LC said...

Your photos of those ducks are so striking. I have also browsed though your quotes, favorite things and 101 things. Found you via Dianne at Sshmidkeysscriblins and plan to return for a longer visit. Have a great weekend.

Irma said...

What a beautiful colorful ducks!
Nice weekend, greetings Irma

Anonymous said...

You captured their beauty perfectly, Gail.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

They make a cute couple :)

eileeninmd said...

I just love these cute Hooded Mergansers! Great shots! Happy weekend!

Bas. said...

geweldig wat is de natuur toch mooi.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

Some or I dare say most of your bird pictures are of birds I haves not seen so your photos are not only beautiful but educational as well.

Anvilcloud said...

These ducks are so pretty.

I like the Garth Brooks quote.

Brian King said...

One of my favorite ducks! These are beautiful photos!

Bill said...

Great shots of these beautiful birds!

Waldameise Andrea said...

Das sieht ja lustig aus, als hätten sie Ohrenklappen auf.

Schönes Wochenende
wünscht die Waldameise

Breathtaking said...

Wonderful captures of the Hooded Mergansers.

eileeninmd said...

Gail, thank you for linking up to my Saturday's Critter party! Have a happy weekend!

Louisette said...

very pretty shots !

Unknown said...

What incredible images of these amazing birds!

Helma said...

Here I am quite envious of Gail.!
what a great beautiful pictures of a very special duck.
In the Netherlands these beautiful ducks out.

Jen said...

Oh, they are beautiful. Next time I pass through that part of Louisiana, I'll look for them.

Unknown said...

Fabulous photos of these beautiful birds.

Anonymous said...

I never did see the female when we spotted our first and only merganser...maybe I'll have to come back to Louisiana (I would love to actually for that and many other reasons).

I'm enjoying your quotes -- unlikely sources sometimes but always great!

hootnonny said...

I agree with Valerie - they look like ducks gone wrong! Great shots!

DeniseinVA said...

I love these birds and your photos Gail.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Wow, what incredible birds. Hope you're well.

Little Wandering Wren said...

These are awesome impressive ducks and photos!
Wren x

Deanna said...

Such interesting looking birds and your beautiful captures are always so inspiring!

Barbara said...

They are so unique! Beautiful shots!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

oh pooh - i could have swore i commented on this post ... weird? maybe some one else has a similar bird - it looks so familiar??

hi there - hopped over from "Saturday's Critters". nice to meet ya. (we are already good friends, though.) hope you are having a good weekend!! ( :

Ela said...

Oh, they are so lovely.
Wonderful shot
Have a nice week :)

Melissa said...

Beautiful! I saw some of these guys as I started my ferry ride north of Seattle yesterday but wasn't able to photograph. These are great. I especially like the fourth one down because it's so flattering of the couple.

Donna said...

I would love to see these birds in person!!

sunshine said...

Very beautiful and fascinating birds.

Anni said...

Beautiful!!! I especially liked the one of the female looking directly into the camera lens and the male with its tail straight up!!!

Suzan said...

The Merganser is beautiful!! Never seen this type of duck. Guess when his "hoodie" is up, he's showing off to his female friend?? Lovely shots Gail!!

Stewart M said...

Great shots - the head crests on the Mergansers are splendid.

We do get of this sort of "duck" in Australia.

Just found out I will be in Arizona for a week in about a month - time for a few American ticks!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Karen said...

Handsome ducks, beautifully photographed. The male is stunning, but I really like the subtle hues of the female.