Hooded Merganser Ducklings

The creek at the park is getting a 'hair cut' today.  The decrease in foliage along the shore revealed a rather nervous mother with her chicks.

A Hooded-merganser female with five chicks.  I've known this bird to be rather shy by nature.  She dove many times and left the ducklings on the surface, only to resurface shortly thereafter.

This kind of duck is a fish eater and loves crayfish.  I saw plenty of those burrowing last fall.  There should be ample supply for this family.

Hope you enjoyed!

~ Robin