Common Merganser – Page 2

Here are some random shots of some of the many waterfowl species that winter in the Willamette Valley

This Common Merganser was swimming with her face submerged, looking for fish. I have also seen loons hunt in this way.

the same bird preening

Here she finally shows her face. The clearly demarcated white chin helps to differentiate this species from the similar Red-breasted Merganser.

This female Eurasian Wigeon is recognized by her brown head. Notice the female American Wigeon on the right with her gray head.

Here is a distant shot of a mixed flock of waterfowl (click to enlarge). From left to right, you can see Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback, Cackling Goose, American Coot, and American Wigeon.

I took a brief walk around Fernhill Wetlands (Birding Oregon p. 61) while meeting with a reporter today. The weather was rather dreary, but, as always, there were some birds around.

Eared Grebe is an unusual visitor to the main lake. Note the thin bill and dusky cheeks. The more common Horned Grebe has a thicker bill, white cheeks, and a neat black cap.

Another view of the Eared Grebe. The back end of this species tends to float fairly high in the water.

Most of the wintering Cackling Geese were off grazing somewhere, but these two were hanging out on the lake. The bird on the right has pale feather edges, indicating a young bird.