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I don't know what everyone else thinks, but to me these gals sure seem to spook easily.
I waited on the brush covered river bank for 45 minutes, waiting for these three to finally come my way.
Twice they flew off entirely and then came back.
Finally they got close enough to take a few snaps.
Best I could do with the 200mm.
Latin: Mergus merganser americanus
Average length: M 25.5", F 22.9
Average weight: M 3.64 lbs., F 2.73 lbs.
Male common mergansers have a greenish-black crested head and upper neck.
The lower neck, breast, and underparts are creamy-white with a variable pink wash.
They have black backs and upperwing coverts with white scapulars.
The bill is red with a blackish culmen and nail.
The legs and feet are deep red.
Female common mergansers have a tufted red-brown head that is clearly defined from the lower neck by a clear whitish chin.
The back and sides are silver-gray and the breast and belly are white.
The bill is red with a blackish culmen and nail. The legs and feet are deep red.