Hanging with my HOMEs
For birders, HOMEs (pronounced ho-mees) are Hooded Mergansers. I've got some HOMEs I've been seeing regularly at Demott Pond, a small nearby pond that I visit whenever I'm in the area or need a few more birds to get my 20 species minimum daily requirement. For the past month and a half, I've had anywhere from two to six of these HOMEs on the pond, where they patrol the area, males flashing their striking black and white crests, females flexing their auburn tresses. They dive for small fish and other aquatic goodies, and at any one moment several may be floating on the pond, while others are swimming through the murky waters below. I love seeing these guys, ever since I spotted my first pair on a small pond near Canby, Oregon while on a bicycle ride as a kid (26 March 1983, to be exact). Never can get enough of hanging with my HOMEs!
For birders, HOMEs (pronounced ho-mees) are Hooded Mergansers. I've got some HOMEs I've been seeing regularly at Demott Pond, a small nearby pond that I visit whenever I'm in the area or need a few more birds to get my 20 species minimum daily requirement. For the past month and a half, I've had anywhere from two to six of these HOMEs on the pond, where they patrol the area, males flashing their striking black and white crests, females flexing their auburn tresses. They dive for small fish and other aquatic goodies, and at any one moment several may be floating on the pond, while others are swimming through the murky waters below. I love seeing these guys, ever since I spotted my first pair on a small pond near Canby, Oregon while on a bicycle ride as a kid (26 March 1983, to be exact). Never can get enough of hanging with my HOMEs!
I love HOMEs! Here in the SLC, UT area they seem to be few and farther between than they were in Boise. I need to do some scouting and find a couple for my year list.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I almost posted something about how they were tough to get in Utah and how hard I had to look for them there :-)
ReplyDeleteThe Hoodies are great birds. Nice post and photos.
ReplyDeleteNice photos and a great site. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGene
birdwatching-birds.blogspot.com
How nice to have HOMEs near the home! Fantastic little duck.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great time on bird watching. Nice post regarding HOMEs
ReplyDeleteThose are just lovely birds. I love taking pictures on birds.
ReplyDelete