Wednesday, April 3, 2013

You might say he’s an odd duck

At least, around our neck of the woods! But wow, isn’t he a beauty? This is a male Hooded Merganser I spied on our pond a few days ago. Thanks goes to my sister, the science teacher, who has educated me on some odd duck visitors we’ve had lately. She recommends PBS’ DUCKumentary to examine these fascinating feathered friends (good news – click the link to watch the full program online). Going to watch it soon! (And I just now noticed the video is limited to US and territories..).

Here’s the Hooded Merganser, without the “big hair” pose.

Again, but with the “big hair.” Definitely makes a statement, don’t you think?

I also saw our first Purple Martin yesterday. He was really singing to attract some purple girls!

Picture quality on all of the above is not the best. I somehow managed to change a setting by accident. I’m talented that way! It seems Spring has truly arrived here, and she is the most welcome visitor of all.

Hope you’re having a great week!

sig3

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday: Check out Wild Bird Wednesday for beautiful wild birds around the world!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Tammy! Lucky you having that beautiful duck at Flat Creek! We have sun today!!! Now if I could just hear some spring peepers.. :)

Anonymous said...

That duck is amazing and weird!

Anonymous said...

I guess our mergensers have finally headed back home up north for the summer. Great catch! They are really cool ducks but usually pretty skittish.

Kateri said...

What a beauty. His big hair definitely makes a statement.

McVal said...

What a beauty!

Liz said...

We have a pair of mallords that always stop by our pond in the spring. I just noticed them yesterday. Purple Martins are a sure sign of spring!

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

I'm so want BIG hair!
Great pictures, lucky you have purple martins, my blaksmith never saw the need for a martin house.

TexWisGirl said...

love the hoodies! both male and female have such 'flair'. :)

Sharon Wagner said...

What would be a bad hair day for us is a great feather day for them!

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Tammy,

What great pics! What a beautiful duck...love the big hair! So nice of you to take time to notice such beauty around you and photograph it! Made my day! :)

Blessings,
Tammy

Maude Lynn said...

I love that duck!

mick said...

The Hooded Merganser is a beauty.

Melinda said...

Love the "big hair" style!

M :)

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Pretty duck with the big hair! Cute header pic, too.

Unknown said...

What a handsome guy, i love his originality :) Happy to hear Spring and has sprung for you too.

Stewart M said...

Great looking bird - we dont get any of this sort of duck in Australia. Used to see similar species in the UK.

Cheers and thanks for linking to WBW- Stewart M - Melbourne

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