Hop, Skip, And A Jump
Hooded Mergansers are my all time favorite duck. They are fun to watch and comical in appearance, almost like nature’s little joke on us all. If someone tried to invent a cartoon duck from another planet, hoodies are what they would look like.
Yesterday afternoon I saw this male hoodie floating along quietly but I could tell just from looking at him that he was not going to stay put for long. Hooded mergansers can be very skittish and within a few seconds this little guy was off and running. And then of course finally flying.
For kind of goofy looking ducks, hoodies are extremely fast flyers and this little fellow zipped by me in an instant.
I always enjoy any chance I get to watch and photograph a hoodie because they never fail to entertain and amaze!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
One of my favorites too…..this action sequence is so lively and real that I feel as though I’m behind the lens.
Thanks for checking these out Nick and I appreciate the comment!
These guys can be hilarious. If you missed these posts they are comical for sure.
https://phillanoue.com/2013/12/11/a-couple-of-jokers/
https://phillanoue.com/2013/12/09/hoodies-2/
Wonderful capture of the action. It always seemed to me that the Hooded Mergansers were bouncing along as they took off. Your shots give me a much better idea of the steps involved as they gain speed and then altitude.
They move faster then I would think so I agree it’s tough to see how they bounce and sort of run across the water during takeoff. Fun goofy ducks though. Thanks for looking Mike!
He is super cute. And that is a great photograph … love the colors and the water. His eyes just kind of punctuate his look !
They are cute little guys and should have their own cartoon TV show or movie. Kids would love ’em! 🙂
Wonderful. The ones I have seen stay right in the middle of the lake a real challenge to capture.
Oh that’s what usually happens here 99% of the time. Pretty much all the ducks stay way out and the hoodies are the worst. I guess I have to just hope for one that isn’t paying attention. 🙂
Cute little duck with striking coloration and a penetrating eye! Great capture of the action.
Thanks Pat. I just wish I had more opportunities to photograph these ducks because they are fun and interesting.
Right now though we have juvie brown pelicans coming out of our ears but not many hoodies. 🙂
When we first moved to Myrtle Beach, I knew nothing about ducks. I would get so excited when I saw these and I’d call them “little Napolean ducks”. I just adore them. Thank you for the great pics.
Thank you so much for looking and commenting Maleea! I generally don’t pay a lot of attention to the ducks but love these guys!
I too like these little and comical looking ducks. Where did his hat go? Lost when he took off? 😀
I know, it’s so funny how they can move that white head crest around. I’ve seen them move it sideways, not sure how they do that! 🙂
So schön!!!!!
Danke Tilda! 🙂
Great shots. I wish I could move that fast.
Funny and fast. What a great combo. I really do love seeing these guys.
Marvelous action sequence. I love these goofy looking guys, too.
They are plenty goofy but tons of fun too!
What a cute bird!!! Hes adorable, never saw one like that, great capture, and great pictures, nature has such beautiful creatures out there…Thank you!!!!
Nature sure is amazing Linda! Does a great job with many wonderful creatures!
Terrific shots! I’ve never seen one in person, but love your description of these little characters.
I just wish they would come in a little closer, they are quite skittish. Fun little ducks though. 🙂
Such dear little creatures! I love the way the hoodie flattens and he runs across the water before taking off!
The funniest thing about them is how they raise, lower and even twist that white head crest around. Too funny!