Wow, this thread took off, it didn't seem like much of a topic so didn't look at it for a while.
A few of the Merganzers come and go still but the mass of probably 50 at a time is now gone. I did watch them eat a few small BG in the 2-3" range but did not see the stress as mentioned earlier, thankfully! I would have ended that ASAP, as it was they were skittish enough that one foot out the door and they were gone most of the time, I also agree they're a beautiful bird and did enjoy their presense. I don't think they really could have done to much damage in my pond, I'm short on LMB and long on the BG in that 2-3" and smaller range. I don't know if the bass were successful in they're attempt at spawning last year and I'm pretty sure that was the first attempt. I would assume some LMB would have hatched knowing Mother Natures will but will find out this summer, that was my only concern as the Mergies hunted.
I would rather have the Scaup pictured as they are good for ponds IMO, knowing they are consuming the snails in my pond. The duck you talk about, Theo, may have been a Ring Neck. I have a difficult time telling them apart unless you can see the head real close. Ring Neck have a white ring around the bill and Scaup do not. The head on the Ring Neck will appear a real dark purple in the right angle of sun light.
Do Hooded Merganzer eggs look different than a Wood Duck's? I would assume so but not sure, I need to look in our Woody box tonight to see if there's two kinds.
Thanks for the replys!
FH
