Merganser Family

One of the things I really like about birding is that every day is different, and often has a surprise.  This morning’s surprise was this female Common Merganser and chicks.  One chick had hopped on the mother’s back and was getting a free ride.  There were actually 8 chicks in all; one chick did not make it in the photo. The mother and chicks were in Spring Creek, a favorite hike of mine that I’ve done many times during this month here at Collier State Park, but today was the first time I have seen this Merganser family.