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Saturday, March 5, 2016

Saturday Critters ~ 116 ~

This entry is all about an experience and has nothing to do with my images.
I am sure everyone reading this post can relate to that.
I have been searching all winter for 
The Hooded Merganser Ducks.
I have seen them in New Jersey during past winters and 
was hoping to get some images before they left in Spring.
They have been eluding me until last weekend when I spotted them in Spring Lake.





They stayed in the middle of the lake, never coming any closer to the shoreline then this.






I just love these guys and their distinctive look.
The males, black in color, with their fan shaped collapsable crest, here it is down...
here it is up.
They have beautiful white breasts and chestnut colored flanks.
The girls too have the fan shaped crest, with warm tones of brown and cinnamon...
when you spot them you know you are in for a real treat.

 And on a p.s....
it was our "maiden voyage" on these for this season.
 Sunday February 28, 2016
 
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25 comments:

  1. BreathtakingMarch 5, 2016 at 5:26 AM

    Hi Debbie!:) Yes, they are real beuaties, I have always admired them. Great, that you finally saw them again.

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  2. Lowcarb team memberMarch 5, 2016 at 5:48 AM

    So pleased that you spotted them, and I agree their colouring is lovely.

    Hey I like your bikes - bet this years maiden voyage was a good one, especially looking at that lovely blue sky.

    Wishing you an extra specially good weekend.

    All the best Jan

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  3. Lowcarb team memberMarch 5, 2016 at 5:55 AM

    So pleased that you spotted them, and I agree their colouring is lovely.

    Hey I like your bikes - bet this years maiden voyage was a good one, especially looking at that lovely blue sky.

    Wishing you an extra specially good weekend.

    All the best Jan

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  4. 21 WitsMarch 5, 2016 at 6:56 AM

    They sure are cute! We have them around here too, always a treat to catch. Funny thing seeing your bikes, we can do that this year too, as it seems so far there's not much snow to get in our way of biking. Very strange for winter in Minnesota!

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  5. TexWisGirlMarch 5, 2016 at 7:37 AM

    that made me smile. :)

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  6. The Furry GnomeMarch 5, 2016 at 8:27 AM

    You've been out biking already! It's not fair! Nice pictures of the merganzers too. They nest on northern lakes here in Ontario, and we often see a female with 8 or 10 young ones swimming along the shoreline of a lake, some little ones riding on her back.

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  7. Brian KingMarch 5, 2016 at 8:32 AM

    Love the Hoodies! They are frustrating to photograph because they're so shy. Glad you found them and on the bikes no less!

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  8. Author R. Mac WheelerMarch 5, 2016 at 9:36 AM

    I resent that mergansers don't make it down this way (pouty face)

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  9. GailMarch 5, 2016 at 10:21 AM

    You found them! Great pictures.

    I do like your bike. I was just looking at a similar one this week!

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  10. AlinaMarch 5, 2016 at 10:31 AM

    Love the photos of ducks! I can't really enjoy bird watching, as my dog is always chasing them and scares away.

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  11. ChristineMarch 5, 2016 at 11:52 AM

    Mission accomplished! Well done, it was lovely to see these special ducks!
    Have fun cruising on your new wheels!

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  12. FABMarch 5, 2016 at 11:58 AM

    Delighted you got to find this delightful species. Enjoy pedaling your new wheels.

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  13. SallyMarch 5, 2016 at 12:22 PM

    Wow - they are very beautiful, and regal. I could take a few lessons
    from them on posture. :)

    Love these and glad you found them.
    xoxo

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  14. Ruth HiebertMarch 5, 2016 at 12:30 PM

    The Mergansers are beautiful ducks. These pictures are good,but I understand your frustration at them staying so far away.Been there too many times.

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  15. Margaret Birding For PleasureMarch 5, 2016 at 2:48 PM

    Love all the duck shots. Be safe on those bikes. Have a good weekend.

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  16. eileeninmdMarch 5, 2016 at 5:01 PM

    Hello Debbie, I like your bikes. The Hooded Mergansers are another one of my favorite ducks. I think you did great with the photos, the sunlight is shining right on the ducks. BTW, I had the wrong link for Sally, I think it is fixed now. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!

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  17. UnknownMarch 5, 2016 at 5:01 PM

    They really are beauties, Debbie.
    They go away in the spring? I wonder where they go.
    I am glad that you were able to see and photograph them.
    I LOVE your bicycle!

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  18. carol l mckennaMarch 5, 2016 at 6:19 PM

    The are beautiful and great shots and so glad you saw them and got great photos! Love the bicycles ~ Have fun!

    Happy Week to you ~ ^_^

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  19. LindaMarch 5, 2016 at 8:00 PM

    Such fancy birds! Nice to see the bikes; a sign of spring!

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  20. Farm GirlMarch 5, 2016 at 9:13 PM

    Such beautiful ducks Debbie. Your bikes look like such fun. How nice you have weather nice enough to go biking.
    I hope you have a lovely Sunday, I had no idea I have been AWOL for so long, this week was that crazy. :(

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  21. Nancy ChanMarch 6, 2016 at 8:56 AM

    I love those beautiful birds. Have a wonderful new week!

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  22. IdaMarch 6, 2016 at 3:11 PM

    Wonderful sighting of these beautiful ducks. We have some in our local park aviary but I've never seen them in the wild like that. How cool.

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  23. ConniecrafterMarch 7, 2016 at 9:46 AM

    So glad you were able to see them before they take off once again, they are so unique, I have not seen them before, it is just amazing all the different creatures out there for us to enjoy. How wonderful to get out on your bikes for a ride.

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  24. Sallie (FullTime-Life)March 8, 2016 at 9:53 AM

    I love those ducks! Have only seen one male in my whole entire life and it was a thrill.

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  25. LeAnnMarch 14, 2016 at 1:40 AM

    I love the photos of the ducks; but I think the two bikes spoke best about your adventure. You do such fun things~ Hugs!

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