Three different types of Merganser
On our short walk in the morning we were surprised on how many Common Merganser (Mergus merganser – Gänsesäger) gathered at the same place – at least 50. On the photo you can also see some Cormorants in the back spreading their wings.
A female Common Merganser:
A male Common Merganser doing maybe some sort of courting behaviour:
To our great surprise there was also a female Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serratro – Mittelsäger), they are not that common in Switzerland but I couldn’t take a photo. But the biggest surprise was a bird I have only seen in the Zoo so far and therefor is a lifer: the Smew (Mergellus albellus – Zwergsäger). These two look like females but maybe the one on the left is a young male.
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Nice spotting that Smew Natalie. I find that it is always a good idea to search through flocks of waterfowl seeking the rarity. You never know what you will find. Congrats on the lifer!
the smew looks like females to me. Last time I saw a male, think it was 3 weeks ago, it was in breading plumage already. I like all of them.
Congrats on the new find! Looks like you stumbled upon a great spot.
Great site to stumble into, complete with a rare bird even. Boom & Gary Of The Vermilon River, Canada.
…congrats on your lifebird! You must have been so excited…I love the photos too!
Very interesting photos of the different birds. I also like the first photo showing the lake and the birds.