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Hooded Mergansers

Even though it was January, it was already breeding season and the male Hooded Mergansers were busy trying to attract the attention of the ladies; one of the behaviors is to stretch that neck up.  This little group seemed to be enjoying the beautiful sunny morning!
Photo taken January, 2017.

From Cornell Lab’s website:  “Hooded Mergansers dive to catch aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish. Males court females by expanding their white, sail-like crests and making very low, gravelly, groaning calls. Hooded Mergansers fly distinctively, with shallow, very rapid wingbeats.”