One of the best things about participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count at York River State Park (Friday through Monday, February 15th-18th, 2013) is seeing the variety of waterfowl.

These seasonal guests can be seen swimming solo and in huge rafts. With a careful eye, one can see the graceful Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator).

Three Red-Breasted Merganser Drakes

Red-Breasted Mergansers reach a length of 20 to 26 inches. Both sexes have a grey and white body with the female having grey wings and a brownish-rust colored head. The male has the rust color on his chest with a white neck, green head, and black and white wings. They look similar to Mallards.  Yet, the bill on a merganser is narrow with saw like edges to catch fish. 

Taking Off 

Mergansers are usually found in groups of four or more and don't seem to mind rafting near other species of ducks. But, they don't care for dogs and people coming too close. They tend to be alarmed more quickly than Buffleheads or Ruddys. Binoculars and spotting scopes are highly recommended.  Photographers should use nothing less than a 200mm lens on a DSLR or a point-and-shoot that has a 12x zoom or stronger. 

Mergansers among Ruddy Ducks

The Great Backyard Bird Count (a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Bird Studies Canada) is an annual 4-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are.

Members of Historic Rivers Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalist and local birding and photography clubs will be participating. But, the event is for birders of all levels. Guest are more than welcome to count and photograph at the main section of York River State Park and Croaker Landing. Please avoid walking on the pier and boat landing if ice or heavy frost is present. Count for as long and as many days as you wish. And don't forget to submit your checklist to the GBBC website. 

Enjoy birding in our backyard

Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.