The Birds Of A Feather series highlights the unique birdlife and avian habitat of the local area. We’ve seen all these birds at or near the cache sites and hope that in your geocaching, you too will see these wonderful winged creatures. And do take the time to enjoy the amazing dike system and mountain views as well.
The Hooded Merganser is the smallest of the 3 merganser species in North America and have a crest at the back of the head which can be expanded or contracted. In adult males, this crest has a large white patch, the head is black and the sides of the duck are reddish brown. The adult female has a reddish crest, with much of the rest of the head and body a greyish-brown.
Their preferred breeding habitat is swamps and wooded ponds on the northern half of the United States or southern Canada. They prefer to nest in tree cavities near water but will use Wood Duck nesting boxes if available and unoccupied. They form pairs in early winter. Many times we've watched as they slowly swim in pairs along these water courses.
Congratulations to...
FTF: The Stainless Steel Rat
STF: RPayment
TTF: shyloh88
Birds Of A Feather Series
Birds Of A Feather: Bittern Sweet
Birds Of A Feather: Courting Cranes
Birds Of A Feather: Hovering Harrier
Birds Of A Feather: Meandering Mergansers
Birds Of A Feather: Ospreys Overhead
Birds Of A Feather: Owl Outpost