A “raft” of ducks is a collective noun for a group of ducks who gather together as they float on the water. A “paddling” of ducks describes how a group moves across lakes, ponds or rivers with synchronized , graceful movements. I look forward to the March arrival of hooded mergansers at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Center soon, whether they are rafting or paddling.
This raft of hooded mergansers are diving ducks that have a serrated bill designed for catching fish. Along with other mergansers, they are the only North American ducks specializing in eating fish. They are excellent divers, and can go as deep as thirty feet.
The male hooded merganser looks like this when relaxing…
or can raise and lower a large fan-like crest or “hood” on his head like this. The crest is raised during courting or when then duck feels threatened.
Two male Mergansers with crests down…
The crest is sometimes described as a “punk rock hairstyle”.
Male mergansers have intense, bright yellow eyes while the females’ are brown or reddish-brown. Their eyes are specially adapted to allow them to see clearly while fishing underwater.
It can be difficult to photograph hooded mergansers, as they are shy and paddle fast. They are sensitive to sound and movement, and move away quickly when approached. I’ll be waiting -quietly -to photograph whatever fleeting moments are possible.
Fascinating information to accompany excellent photographs
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I’m hoping to get new pics of them soon.
I wasn’t familiar with the merganser ducks. How amazing that they can dive so deep! Love the photos.
Thanks, Rosaliene. They are one of the first signs of spring on the pond I visit.
Great shots, Julie. I’ve never seen a hooded merganser, only American mergansers, which visit and nest along our small river.
Thanks, Eliza. They are so interesting looking, but
hard to photograph with the simple bridge camera I use.
Fabulous captures, I think they are the prettiest of all the mergansers!
Agreed. There is just something about them..
They are beautiful ducks and I hod no idea about a raft and a paddling of ducks. Thanks, Julie. 😊
Thanks, Pepper. Back in the day when I taught first grade, my students loved learning the collective nouns for animals, and at that time there were many lovely illustrated children’s books about them.
Oh, my granddaughter is in first grade. I wonder if she has been taught that. . . .I’ll have to ask. 😉
I don’t know what today’s first graders would like, but this is one that was very popular:
https://www.amazon.com/Cache-Jewels-Other-Collective-Language/dp/0698113543
Thanks, Julie. I will take a look at it. 😉
I am with Derrick. Informative piece with terrific piece. I really like the ducks’ unique appearance.
The coolest ducks around, I think. 😉
Can’t wait for the arrival of waterbirds…can’t wait for the arrival of water. A great bunch of merganser shots Julie. I always admire the stylish crests on these birds. Happy Thursday. Allan
Thanks, Allan. I agree, They are stylish and also so focused. I think of them as ducks on a mission. 😉 Happy weekend coming up, hopefully with spring weather!
Julie