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It is hard to imagine that a bird like this is very common on lakes and larger rivers in Illinois in the winter. These are Hooded Mergansers and the males are quite attractive when they display their beautiful headgear. It always surprises me to discover that birds like this are local, yet I never noticed them in the first 66 years of living on this planet. I saw this bird a week or so ago at Whalon Lake in Naperville. You just have to be willing to brave the cold and take a walk to see them. They will be here until the Spring when they head back north. When it is very cold, you need to find a larger lake that has not iced over, but there are many days and weeks when it isn't all that cold and the ducks and geese are everywhere. I have also seen them in Florida and New Jersey as this species is very widespread. They are seen throughout the US and Canada except for the dry and arid southwest. So, go out and see if you can find one. Having some binoculars with you will help as waterfowl like to move as far as possible from humans. Good luck in getting out there and if you do see one, let me know!!!
