A Ducking Good Day: Scaups, Mergansers, and a Moody Heron - Feb 3, 2025

Yesterday, I set out on a photography adventure to Beacon Hill Park, expecting the usual cast of mallards, crows, and seagulls. What I didn’t expect was to be graced by the presence of not one but two female Lesser Scaups and a handsome male. It was one of those magical moments where the unexpected guests became the stars of the show.

At first, I mistakenly identified them as Ring-Necked Ducks—an easy mix-up when you're still learning (as I am). But as I spent more time observing, I noticed the subtle details that set them apart. Lesser Scaups have striking golden-yellow eyes and a more rounded head shape compared to their Ring-Necked relatives. The female’s soft brown plumage glowed under the afternoon light, and the male’s crisp black-and-white patterning had an elegance that was impossible to ignore.

Meet Sally, Susie, and Simon

Since I tend to name the wildlife I encounter, these three quickly earned their names—Sally and Susie, the inquisitive but cautious female Lesser Scaups, and Simon, the bold yet hesitant male. Watching them, I could tell they were curious about me, eyeing the bit of seed I had tossed gently into the water. For a brief moment, I held my breath, wondering if one of them would take the plunge and brave the pushy mallards to grab a snack.

Sally actually stepped out of the water, something I rarely see Lesser Scaups do. I was thrilled! But just as I hoped to offer her a closer treat, the ever-opportunistic mallards muscled their way in, forcing Sally to retreat. It was a bittersweet moment—I got to see her up close, but I also felt bad that she couldn't claim her own little reward.

Portrait Time with a 600mm Lens

Since I couldn't offer them food, I offered them my lens. Thanks to my 600mm lens, I was able to capture incredible close-up portraits of all three, highlighting details I hadn’t truly appreciated before. The delicate feather textures, the subtle iridescence in the male’s plumage, and the deep, thoughtful expressions in their eyes—it all came to life through my camera. It was a humbling reminder that even after spending so much time with birds, there’s still so much to learn.

Lesser Scaup Facts & Behaviors

• Lesser Scaups are diving ducks, meaning they feed primarily by diving underwater for aquatic invertebrates, plants, and mollusks.

• They are known for their restless nature—even when they appear calm, they’re often scanning their surroundings for threats.

• Unlike dabbling ducks (like mallards), Scaups prefer open water and will typically keep a bit of distance from shore.

• They migrate long distances, wintering in coastal waters and freshwater lakes before returning to their northern breeding grounds.

  
  

  

A Grumpy Blue Heron Named Henry

Not far from the Scaups, I spotted Henry, a Great Blue Heron, perched high in a tree. His long legs were tucked beneath him as he attempted to nap, but the constant human activity below clearly irritated him. At one point, he tucked his head completely under his wing, as if to block out the world. It made me laugh—birds, like people, definitely have their moods.

Great Blue Heron Facts:

• Great Blue Herons are expert fishers, standing perfectly still before striking with their long, sharp beaks.

• They roost in trees at night, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

• Their slow, deliberate movements and long legs allow them to wade through shallow waters with ease.

• Despite their large wingspan (up to 6 feet!), they fly with surprising grace, retracting their necks into an "S" shape mid-flight.

Maggie, Molly, and Monty: The Hooded Merganser Trio

Another fascinating sight was a small group of Hooded Mergansers—two females and one male—who were trying to rest. I named them Maggie, Molly, and Monty. They were tucked along the shoreline, their eyes half-closed in relaxation. However, the ever-intrusive mallards and human foot traffic kept disturbing them, forcing them to relocate further away while still keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

Hooded Merganser Facts:

• Mergansers are diving ducks, just like Lesser Scaups, but they specialize in eating small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.

• The male, like Monty, is unmistakable with his dramatic black-and-white crest, which he can raise or lower depending on his mood.

• Females, like Maggie and Molly, have rich brown plumage and a distinctive fluffy crest, giving them a punk-rock appearance.

• Hooded Mergansers nest in tree cavities, often high above the water, and their ducklings must make a bold leap down to the ground just one day after hatching!

Beacon Hill Park never disappoints, but this trip felt extra special. It reminded me that even in an urban park, nature finds a way to surprise and delight. I may not have walked away with all the shots I envisioned, but I left with a deeper appreciation for these graceful, cautious, and striking waterfowl—Sally, Susie, Simon, Henry, Maggie, Molly, and Monty.

And next time? Maybe, just maybe, one of them will be brave enough to take that snack.