Common Merganser on the Merrimack River

January 5, 2017 in Nearby Waterbirds

_W7I6488-001The Merrimack River continues to host an ever-changing raft of wintering ducks.  One of the more striking ducks is the Common Merganser.  This large fish eating duck is seen in small flocks along the river.  It uses its serrated bill to catch fish underwater!

Common Merganser

February 18, 2015 in Nearby Waterbirds

The Common Mergansers have been seen on the Merrimack River in Lawrence over the past 2 months.  Both males and females keep busy diving for fish.  these Mergansers are beauties with the creamy white breast and flanks, dark backs, greenish black heads and bright red serrated bills used for grabbing fish!