Chapter 251

8/15/2010

Common Merganser

an uncommon image capture

The flock (Mergus merganser americanus) came down our beach at camp like a coordinated Navy seal team on a quick search and destroy mission. It was an efficient, relentless, orchestrated and successful attack. They swirled around like destroyer escorts and submarines peering underwater. With frenetic splashes and bubbles they herded a poor school of unsuspecting and intellectually overmatched Yellow Perch prey into the grasp of their fellow gang of marauders. They deftly handled the little fish with their serrated bills, flipping around to swallow whole head first. They were probably the immature non- breeding juveniles as the coloration is the same as the adult female.

This was a rare sight and capture for me. I've seen them swirling before but didn't really grasp what was up. Was in the camp when Kathy called from the beach to get my camera quick. I just snapped away and got some lucky great shots.

Other good shots include kayak on Oxbow Lake, and Water Lily- (Bald Eagle close up departed before I could photograph- scanning water level for the Otters I'd been advised were feeding on clams rather than the tall Pine perch)

Sunrise at camp after the Loons woke me up at 5am.

The one legged duck that Kathy felt sorry for.

Pier Work folder related to camp is up one directory level.