Hooded Merganser - RSPB Saltholme

[IanF]

Showing well again this afternoon from Saltholme Hide.

[Ray. Scott]

Just outside the Saltholme hide this afternoon, then swam to the nearby channel out of sight.
Couldn't have wished for It to be any closer, but blinded by the sun .

[DaveBritton]

Pic 3518 is now showing the white lines at the top edge of the lower face (adjoining the brown hood), very similar to the first-spring male pic in the National Geographic Birds of North America (5th edition). This further confirms that it is a first-winter male which arrived too early to be a transatlantic vagrant (sadly). Excellent pics. Dave

[IanF]

Still giving good views in front of Saltholme hide yesterday afternoon.

[Ray. Scott]

Taken on 23-03-2010.
It swam in front of the hide, diving for a while, then moved off to preen before flying further away to the far right side of the pond.
Don't know what these eat, I've seen It catch the odd small fish, Image 4 shows It with possible snail shell.

[Ray. Scott]

Couple more action shots.

[IanF]

It was on the pool below the top car park at Dormans Pool this morning. Three times it flew in and out with the Pochards. Last seen heading towards Petroplus ponds.