Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Red-breasted Mergansers

Most of the Red-breasted Mergansers have migrated north to nest, but a few remain in Madison County.  Hopefully some will nest here.  I love to watch their ability to move and dive in the water and air.  I never get tired of watching them.  Here two males and a female fly in as they migrate through the area in late March.


Here a male makes almost a splashless dive to look for food near the bottom of a canal.


After a dive, this female beats the water off her wings and back as she tries to dry off.  "Use a towel, lady."


This male almost bit off more than he could chew as he tries to swallow a crayfish that does not want to go down.  The crayfish lost and the bird had "lobster" for lunch.


A raft of Red-breasted Mergansers congregate to move to their nesting ground.


I hope they have a happy flight and make it back this fall and next spring.  My camera will be waiting.
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23 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlMay 10, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    great dive shot! they're wonderful, entertaining birds. i hope some stick around for you!

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  2. Sallie (FullTime-Life)May 10, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    What graceful birds! "Lobster" lunch 'mmmm.

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  3. BirdingMaineMay 10, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    The second photo of the dive is my favorite. Great post and photos!

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  4. theconstantwalkerMay 10, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    I have just had a struggle getting close enough to get a decent image of this lovely bird on my recent break.....I failed.
    I love the second image he looks like he is wearing diving goggles.

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  5. Kah-Wai LinMay 10, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    Nice capture! I can feel the spring from your recent post!

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  6. mickMay 10, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    Very interesting birds and a great series of photos.

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  7. UnknownMay 10, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    They're here now. I'm looking for my share. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  8. FABMay 10, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Just a winter species for me over here but always a delight to see.

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  9. Jeanne Frances KlaverMay 10, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    I'll be waiting with you. These birds are so interesting!

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  10. SpringmanMay 10, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Wonderful shots! The image of your merganser choking down the crawfish is Astounding!

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  11. FjällripanMay 11, 2011 at 3:26 AM

    Beautiful pictures! Especially photo nr 2,great capture :)

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  12. Sharon MMay 11, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    Very pretty!

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  13. Stewart MMay 11, 2011 at 4:31 AM

    Hi there - the dive shot and the "lobster" shot are splendid. No saw-beaks down here, so I'll have to make do with pictures.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Australia

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  14. CarlettaMay 11, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    Excellent series of shots Bill!
    "Get a towel Lady" - love your humor. :)

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  15. Betsy Banks AdamsMay 11, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Beautiful pictures of the Mergansers, Bill. You are so fortunate to live in areas where there are so many beautiful birds.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Betsy

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  16. SondraMay 11, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    These guys are so athletic!! You have captured them as they go about being mergansers..and done a GREAT JOB of it too!!

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  17. jooMay 11, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Superb photos, Bill!

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  18. eileeninmdMay 11, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Great shots, Bill! I also love the dive shot, very cool.

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  19. Inger-MMay 11, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Beautiful shots! I like the lady drying off :-)

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  20. NatureFootstepMay 12, 2011 at 5:17 AM

    I´ve tried a lot to get a shot like the second one on the grebes. But the movement is so fast that it is almost impossible. Congrats is in order I think. :)

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  21. Pat UlrichMay 12, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    they are very cool birds -- nice captures!

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  22. troutbirderMay 12, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    Terrific action shots Bill. You must have the patience of Job to get them. I really enjoyed...

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  23. UnknownMay 14, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    All are great but the second pic is just fantastic! Great timing. Beautiful birds!

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