Hooded Merganser Pair in Poway
A male and female Hooded Merganser have been hanging out for at least several days at the confluence of Poway and Rattlesnake Creeks, 32.950468, -117.050963. Park on Soule Street near Rio Real Drive. I took a couple of photos today (shot at 800mm handheld, so these aren't as sharp as I would have liked):
- Female: https://www.dropbox.com/s/cxs7a2vfbzydze5/Poway%20Ducks%20Hooded%20Merganser%20Female.jpg?dl=0
- Male: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xild0hngee9vfl8/Poway%20Ducks%20Hooded%20Merganser%20Male%201.jpg?dl=0
I wasn't going to post, but in checking both of Phil's books, it would appear that they are relatively rare. They are both quite active, diving for food, flashing their hoods, and mingling with the plentiful Mallards and Coots.
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Kemer Thomson
Kemer Thomson
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports