A Singular Sensation!
This morning I went to Ashfield looking for the Sandhill Cranes - they will be arriving any moment. It was 24 degrees once again a face mask was required! No cranes - after searching in all of the possible spots that I know of I decided to leave and go to Edge Hill in Ashfield and try my luck there. The sun was still behind the mountains there which meant that I had the chance to set up and get ready near the tiny pond and wait for the magic. The pond still had more than half of it covered in a thin layer of ice.
As I was walking the short distance from the parking area to the pond a stiff NW wind blew in - wow, was it cold! I went over the little knoll to see 3 male Common Mergansers and 1 female… I was in luck! I love this little pond as it is surrounded by cattails in some areas and gorgeous Scottish grasses in other areas and the sun lights it up beautifully at sunrise.
The lighting was not great when I set up so I decided to wait as I knew the sun would eventually make its way over the treetops. I ended up standing in my spot for 2 hours with that NW wind - even with my gloves on my hands were very cold but I hope you will agree - it was worth it.
After about the first 30 min had passed 2 males and the female flew out. About 15 min after that it all came together…lighting that I dream of and with a bird who wanted to show us just how beautiful he is! I hope that you enjoy….
As you can see - there is absolutely nothing that is common about a male Common Merganser - a stunning bird! The light has to hit just right to have his dark green head light up - often it looks black because it is so dark.
Right after the above shot he swam a little closer towards me and then turned away from me and dipped his head and came up with breakfast…
Mergansers have very long slender bills that are serrated which helps them snag their meals.
Once he was done with breakfast he decided to head towards the back of the pond.
And then this incredible dramatic lighting happened… the sun’s rays came in strips of bright light… and the merganser knew exactly where I would have directed him if I could have!
A little primping…
I love how this shot shows just how long and slender his bill is… and orange!
Those beautiful Scottish grasses in the background.
Looking for another fish - but no luck this time.
When he turned and started to move in the other direction and lifted his foot I felt as if he was saying… goodbye now, the show is over. So I took my cue and left - it was more than time for me to warm up. What a gift this guy gave me on this very cold March morning - peace…