Waterfowl

Hooded merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

A small diving duck whose drakes raise a fan-shaped white crest. It winters on ponds, sloughs and sheltered bays across lowland Whatcom and Skagit counties, and a few pairs stay to breed.

Seasonality

Peaks in January. Most common from October to April; a few remain to breed.

Behavior

Dives for small fish, crayfish and aquatic insects in clear, shallow water.
Drakes raise and lower their crests in courtship displays from late winter into spring.
Often feeds in small groups close to shoreline vegetation.

Photography tips

A low angle near water level makes the crest and yellow eye stand out.
Courtship displays are brief and repeated; set a burst and wait for the crest to fan.

Field ethics

Approach slowly or not at all; birds swim away from shore long before they flush.

Where to look

Tennant LakeWhatcom County · Peaks in January
Stimpson Family Nature ReserveWhatcom County · Peaks in January
South Fork Valley at SaxonWhatcom County · Peaks in January
Barrell Springs WetlandsSkagit County · Peaks in January
Wiley SloughSkagit County · Peaks in January