Ducks a splashing!!!

Here we are!!! finally!! lol
Had a blast and was able to capture some great ..in the moment images of Hooded mergansers and a wood duck drake flying. They came in about 100 yards from me and I had to work my way towards them to get into range. I took video of the trip but because of technical difficulties(user error) I wont be able to show the footage...maybe next time. check out all of the duck images from this shoot at ducks

Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatus
Average length: M 18.1 in, F 17
Average weight: M 1.6 lbs, F 1.5 lbs

Description: The hooded merganser is the smallest of the three merganser species occurring in North America.
Breeding: Hooded mergansers breed from southeastern Alaska, central British Columbia and southwestern Alberta to southwestern Oregon, central Idaho and northwestern Montana; and from central Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia, south to Kansas, northern Louisiana and northern Georgia. Hooded mergansers prefer forested wetland systems, where they nest in tree cavities or nest boxes and lay an average of 9-11 eggs.

Migrating and Wintering: Of the three species of mergansers occurring in North America, the hooded merganser is the only one restricted to the continent. Forested wetlands, brackish estuaries and tidal creeks are preferred wintering habitats. Hooded mergansers winter along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts, mainly from southeastern Alaska to northern Baja California, and New England to Florida and west to northern Mexico. The majority of wintering hooded mergansers occur in the Mississippi Flyway.

Population: Hooded mergansers are most common in the Great Lakes region and current information suggests a stable, possibly increasing population in some areas. However, data on population size and status are tenuous due to the secretive nature of this species. Historically, populations likely suffered from habitat loss.

Feeding Habits: Hooded mergansers dive in fresh water to feed on small fish, crayfish and other crustaceans and aquatic insects.
Parts of Duck Information Used from DUCKS UNLIMITED