Impression Evergreen

Hooded Merganser The hooded merganser is a secretive creature that prefers to live in a secluded woodland somewhere near a small pond or stream. A mated pair nests in a cavity of either a live or dead tree where the female lays a clutch of seven to fifteen eggs. Remarkably, the fuzzy hatchlings leave the nest within 24 hours after they hatch. Upon reaching open water, the tiny youngsters begin diving and foraging immediately but remain close to mom for warmth and protection. The hooded merganser is a diving predator and the only duck that specializes in capturing fish. They’re able to track down food by sight because their eyes are specially adapted for unsurpassed underwater vision. These speedy, little ducks are found almost exclusively in North America. They must like it here because even during the spring and fall their migration routes are usually just a short distance. Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic is their striking appearance as both male and female

Duck It's an iconic image, a glossy-green-headed drake flying above the lake on a summer morning, then skimming across the surface for a splash landing. Next, the quintessential duck call that is the mallard's quack. I snapped this picture of a glistening duck at Evergreen Lake. The mallard duck is a very common bird around here. The female is a mottled, drab-brown that camouflages the duck while nesting. The most conspicuous feature is the iridescent, blue-violet stripes of color that can be seen on her wing. It's fun to watch them employ two completely different but equally humorous feeding strategies. Head dipping is when they become completely upended with only their rump sticking out of the water. They don't dive but rather spend their time dabbling for food. If that isn't working, they take full of advantage of their neighborly relationship with humans. They waddle out of the water and cordially ask for food.