Several weeks after I first spotted a family of Hooded Merganser ducks (Lophodytes cucullatus) at my local marsh, I continue run into this single mother and her adorable ducklings. (Click here to see the original posting.)
The ducks seem to hang out a lot in one flooded, shady area of the marsh that is relatively shallow and doesn’t seem to have the snapping turtles that plagued similar families last year. The light is limited and the ducks start moving as soon as they sense my presence, so getting photos has been a challenge. Here’s a selection of some of my favorite shots to date of this cute little family.
Mama duck gives a reminder to the ducklings to stay together and follow her.
Trying to move out, but some of the ducklings want to look back toward me.
Mama duck takes up a rear position to ensure there are no stragglers.
Grainy close-up shot that shows some of the personality of the ducklings.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Excellent, Mike! In my experience, it’s always tough to get anywhere close to mergansers and I’d imagine with little ones they’re even more skittish around people. Nice light on the water, too.
It folks like she is doing a great job of protection of her youngsters. Last year the Wood Duck clutch was reduced from 12 to 2 in the pond behind my house, and I don’t know if those 2 made it or not. You need a blind, Mike, but it can get a little boring sitting in the same place waiting for ducks to swim by. 😀
I love their “hair.” It makes me smile, and you can’t ask nature for much more than that.
The combination of the mohawk style and the distinctive color really makes her stand out from the crowd. I love it too!
How many members of the clutch have survived so far, Mike?
I think there were seven or eight the last time that I saw them, though they are skittish enough that I am never sure of the number.
They are certainly wise to keep well away from where the snappers hide out, as they can be really ferocious. We have mergansers on our lake in MN too, and I love to watch their antics. Have you seen your little ones climb onto mama’s back? Love it when they do that!
Great shots. I love watching the mothers with the babies. We normally get to see them on the Windsor Locks Canal, but the path is closed since nesting eagles have had babies. It should open in June.