Here they are on an unseasonably hot spring day, outside in a makeshift pen we made with a large cardboard box. Their tiny little wings, peaceful black eyes, their fluffy bodies, general lack of coordination, and penchant for snuggling up against each other more than made up for how anno...
Another special thing that the duck has is its water-proof feathers. There is a special gland that produces oil near the duck’s tail which spreads and covers the outer coat of the duck’s feathers, making it water-proof. Beneath the water-proof coat are fluffy and soft feathers to keep...
These precautions seemed to be enough, but we went out to make sure the mesh enclosure was as secure as possible. When I got close to the nest, Minkie stood and backed off her nest long enough for me to see a tiny, fluffy duckling. Just one, surrounded by brother and sister eggs. B...
Females are less colorful but still intriguing. They have a fluffy crest which can be raised or lowered. The head of females is gray and brown, without the large considerable white sections seen on male heads. Interesting fact– Hooded Mergansers are predators, not interested in plants. Distribu...