Biology:

The Common Merganser is a diving duck which feeds on fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects. One of their fishing techniques is to cruise on the surface of the water with their head submerged to see the fish; once the prey is spotted the bird pursues at high speed underwater. The Common Merganser is widespread in North America, in breeding season generally near woodland lakes and streams in the northern part of its range, and in winter in the southern part of its range, sometimes also found in brackish water.

Photographic notes:

These photographs are of a single female at Taylor Creek, Lake Tahoe California in October 2005

Leicaflex SL, Leitz 560mm f/6.8 Telyt-R, Provia 400F.

Leica R8, Leica 280mm f/4 APO-Telyt-R, Kodak E100G

A small flock was feeding at Taylor Creek, Lake Tahoe California on October 9 2006 Leica R8/DMR, Leitz 560mm f/6.8 Telyt-R.

I had been set up for a simple portrait of this male Merganser when the flock decided to leave; I released the shutter as quickly as reflexes allowed. Sacramento County California 16 December 2007 Leica R8/DMR, Leitz 560mm f/6.8 Telyt-R.

The kayak appears much less threatening to the mergansers than a human on foot does, allowing a close approach. Sacramento County California 13 July 2008 Leica R8/DMR, Leitz 560mm f/6.8 Telyt-R.

Hunting Kokanee Salmon at Lake Tahoe's Taylor Creek. Taylor Creek, Lake Tahoe California October 2008 Leica R8/DMR, Leica 180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R.

The kayak appears much less threatening to the mergansers than a human on foot does, allowing a close approach. Sacramento County California 19 January 2009 Leica R8/DMR, Leitz 560mm f/6.8 Telyt-R.