The hooded mergansers were in the same place today as they were yesterday, although today their number was up to fifteen. I stood and watched them for a few minutes, snapped a few pictures, and then I saw the adult males (there were four of them) begin to act strangely, and I heard a weird sound coming from them. I realized I was witnessing courtship display! Their crests, composed completely of feathers, were raised high and they were contorting their heads and bodies in a myriad of positions. As they did so, they emitted a frog-like growling sound. I've never seen anything quite like that. Here is some of what I witnessed.
Hi This is Valerie Davies and I am just fascinated in the mergansers.
ReplyDeleteI have been off my feet for a month - had my bunions removed and am unable to walk around the ponds. Thank you so much for bringing them to me via your marshwalker report. I hope I will be back walking by January.
Valerie