This is the first Hooded Merganser we've seen this fall. My guess is it is an immature male, as the information I have on this duck says the females have a brown iris and their upper bill is black-edged with orange and the lower bill is yellow.....bird experts are welcome to assist in identification.

Hooded Merganser facts: Of the three species of mergansers occurring in North America, the hooded merganser is the only one restricted to the continent. Forested wetlands, brackish estuaries and tidal creeks are preferred wintering habitats. Hooded mergansers winter along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts, mainly from southeastern Alaska to northern Baja California, and New England to Florida and west to northern Mexico. The majority of wintering hooded mergansers occur in the Mississippi Flyway. ~ Ducks Unlimited

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Our newest Gallery: ‘Six of Five’ is part of the PBase Monthly Challenge and will feature six series of five images, some of Southern Vancouver Island and others yet to be determined. To visit it click HERE