Even among a hundred gulls, dozens of ducks, and a score of geese, a pair of small Hooded Mergansers stood out in the waters of the park on the morning of March 25, 2025. They were festive looking creatures, discernible by their small size and their vigorous wading and diving. The bright white head patch on the male’s crested head gave them away. The female’s head is a warm brownish red.
The white patch of the male Hooded Merganser, I have learned, can change shape as it raises or lowers its crested head. While exploring the Salt Marsh early Tuesday morning, the male kept his patch down, thus flattening the patch into a rectangle. Both Hooded Mergansers held their heads low while swimming in the Salt Marsh. In general, Hooded Mergansers are low swimmers. They look for their prey by sight. I’ve noticed fairly clear water in the inlet in recent days, and these conditions may have attracted them here.
Like the Red-breasted Mergansers that roamed the same waters this month, these migrating Hooded Mergansers dove underwater in search of food. They have a broad diet and are efficient in foraging with their serrated bills.
Cover: Hooded Mergansers. March 25, 2025. 8:09 a.m. Salt Marsh, Inwood Hill Park.
Bird Portraiture
Early March is an excellent time for taking portraits of birds in this region. The early spring light and the spare trees allow some clarity to observe the park regulars and the migrating species. The opportunities will abound in the coming weeks as birds perch next to the emerging colorful spring blooms.
March 2025 Sightings
It’s hard to believe that March is drawing to a close. See the March 2025 Sightings page for a monthly review. Consult the page for new birds in the next few days. Warm weather forecast for Saturday may bring some migratory action.
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