This is a photo story of some Hooded Mergansers that raised a family in a pond nearby. Most of the photos are not top quality but they add to the story, so I included them. Pictures were taken from my car window, and most are 50-60% crops.
The story begins in March, when there was still ice on the pond. In May there were at least 2 pairs of "Hoodies". I don't know if both pairs successfully raised young, but in June there was one hen with at least 15 chicks. I couldn't tell if there was another hen and chicks- they scooted away pretty fast when I arrived. I tried not to disturb them by stopping by too often. In late June I could see 4-5 chicks at a time, but no positive count. By July and August I only saw 2-3 chicks. Survival rate is pretty poor, I guess, but I am hoping a few will make it through the winter. It is now November- I still see Hooded Mergansers in the area on the bigger rives in bigger groups. No sign of the family on my near-by pond at this time.


UPDATE: March 14, 2010. A pair of "hoodies" has returned to the pond. There is only a little bit of water there, mostly ice. I was very glad to see them, and got a few photos.