njones 1 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Westport, CT, Sherwood Island, on the sound (salt water), around high tide on Saturday, November 21, seen about 11am: a flock of 36 individuals (counted, not estimated) - which at first I thought were all Red-breasted Mergansers. Now I'm wondering if some of the individuals may have been Common Mergansers, in a mixed flock. Observed about 20 minutes altogether. Photos are from shore, at a bit of a distance, and with tricky light. This was my first sighting of Red-breasted Mergansers, so I'm fairly new to birding and have lots to learn. Any help is greatly appreciated! Originally ID's these two as Red-breasted, but possibly Common? I think these 3 are Red-breasted - not as much defined white on chest or under bill. (Lighting makes it tough.) All Red-breasted? Again, lighting is tricky but I don't see any white chins. I'm wondering if the two individuals in the foreground might be Common. Smoother heads, and coloring might be consistent with Common. (Is the breast on the flapping bird a bit dingy above the white belly?) A portion of the large flock, all together. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Birding Boy 1,082 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 I believe these are all Red-Breasted Mergansers. In the first photo, more white is displayed in the wings than what would be seen on a Common Merganser, and longer crest is visible. The rest, as you mentioned are lacking the white chin patch of a COME, and also have that large crest and spindly look. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
njones 1 Posted November 24, 2020 Author Share Posted November 24, 2020 22 minutes ago, Birding Boy said: I believe these are all Red-Breasted Mergansers. In the first photo, more white is displayed in the wings than what would be seen on a Common Merganser, and longer crest is visible. The rest, as you mentioned are lacking the white chin patch of a COME, and also have that large crest and spindly look. Thanks! That's where I landed too, but I'm not yet experienced enough to feel certain. It helps to hear how you made the ID - I wasn't sure about the wings. I really appreciate your help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tony Leukering 2,280 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 8 hours ago, njones said: on the sound (salt water), around high tide There's your first good clue to ID. It's not absolute, but it's awfully close. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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