lophodytes cucullatus – Feathered Photography

Hooded Mergansers With Fish

On this day, female Hoodies were far better fisherbirds than males. (8 photos)

Nine days ago I had my best day so far this winter with Hooded Mergansers. (13 photos)

A handsome bird and a couple of photo processing tips. (2 images)

I try to avoid applying human standards to birds but sometimes I can’t help myself. (10 photos)

“Tenderizing’ a weather loach. (2 photos)

The duck with the hammerhead crest. (6 photos)

Plus the only first winter drake Hooded Merganser I’ve ever seen.

and not in the mood for sharing.

Drake Hoodies may be pretty little ducks but their flashy and contrasty colors make them one of the most difficult exposures I’ve ever attempted.

Yesterday was a day of highs and lows but thankfully it ended on a “Hoodie high”.

A sudden wind gust can sure raise havoc with the results of a recent trip to the beauty salon.

In some of these images the Hooded Mergansers have fish prey and in some they don’t but all photos document various behaviors.

Maybe, just maybe, the motivation for this behavior isn’t so obvious after all…?

I don’t think I’ve seen this condition before, in any species.