BREEDING MALE COMMON GOLDENEYE DIVING FOR FOOD, CANADA CENTRE FOR INLAND WATERS & NORTH SHORE ISLANDS, BURLINGTON, ONTARIO, 12/20/2025

 

BREEDING MALE BUFFLEHEADS, CANADA CENTRE FOR INLAND WATERS & NORTH SHORE ISLANDS, BURLINGTON, ONTARIO, 12/20/2025

 

BREEDING MALE HOODED MERGANSER WITH CREST LOWERED & RAISED, CANADA CENTRE FOR INLAND WATERS & NORTH SHORE ISLANDS, BURLINGTON, ONTARIO, 12/20/2025

   Here is a Google AI generated description (with some modifications) of why Hooded Mergansers raise and lower their crests, as seen in the photos below:

   The Hooded Merganser's crest is a versatile tool used primarily for communication and physical movement.  Both males and females can raise and lower their crests.

   Common reasons for this movement include:

• Courtship and Mating: Males raise their fan-shape crests to full size to attract females during elaborate courtship rituals.  A larger, whiter crest is preferred by females.
• Dominance and Aggression: Hooded Mergansers raise their hoods to signal dominance or warn away rivals and predators.
• Emotional State: The crest's height often reflects the bird's mood.  It is typically raised when they are alert, excited or curious.
• Diving and Flying:. The Hooded Merganser lowers its hood to make their heads more streamlined when diving and flying.
• Relaxation: When a Hooded Merganser is relaxed or at rest, the crest is usually smoothed down or lowered.
• Camouflage: When threatened they can flatten themselves and their crests low against the water to resemble a floating log.

 

MALLARDS, CANADA CENTRE FOR INLAND WATERS & NORTH SHORE ISLANDS, BURLINGTON, ONTARIO, 12/20/2025

 

TRUMPETER SWANS, CANADA CENTRE FOR INLAND WATERS & NORTH SHORE ISLANDS, BURLINGTON, ONTARIO, 10/20/2025

 

CANADA GEESE IN FLIGHT & LARGE GAGGLE OF THEM ON SNOW/ICE, CRANBERRY MARSH, LYNDE SHORES CONSERVATION AREA, WHITBY, ONTARIO, 12/18/2025

 

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES AT FEEDER, CRANBERRY MARSH, LYNDE SHORES CONSERVATION AREA, WHITBY, ONTARIO, 12/18/2025