Raquette Lake Merganzers

Taken early morning at the inlet to Raquette Lake from the shore. This was a flock of young mergansers with one adult female leading the group. We followed them (or they followed us) as we paddled up the inlet. At times they would paddle in the main channel and other times the female would lead them in to the rushes and weeds along the bank where they would thrash and dive. It appeared to be training of some sort for foraging. I am not sure but it was quite remarkable to see these 30 or so young mergansers with a single adult in the lead.