More Ducks ID

AT one point yesterday there were what appeared to be 4 separate males, at least a couple of females and some ducklings on this pond I found--along with the given goose. I believe it's mallards and a c. merganser in this one?? The light was not great and again I was at my lens limits. Also have a photo of one taking off with white wings w/ black bands toward the ends, believe it is a duck but looks kind of large. Thanks for any help, again!

Bill, you've got 3 species here... moving from absolute left to right...

Female Hooded Merganser, Female Mallard, Female Hooded Merganser, Male Mallard, Male Common Merganser, Male Mallard. The small image size makes things a bit difficult. Next time, give us a tighter crop please!

Drew

I agree with Drew on the ID, although the very small size makes all but the COME and MALL uncertain. An additional reminder for those asking for help with bird IDs: (1) tell us where you took the photo and (2) tell us when you took the photo. Thanks.

Sorry guys, I know it's a pain when dealing with those ill-equipped for proper birding. Even the Nikon w/ 200mm probably would have been enough for this, but all I had with me was my Sony 12x optical. I appreciate your help and have been meaning to respond, but we've had computer ISP problems all day. It was taken in Northeast PA yesterday morning in a little pond. This is an image of one of the ducks taking off--our system is still having major issues, so I'll post what I think is a little better view for IDing too a bit later. And I'm returning to the scene tomorrow a.m. I hope.

I'll need to disagree with the id on the females. Female common and hooded mergansers look alike except for size (hoodeds are smaller). Since we've got a male common I'd persume that the females are common mergansers as well.

OK, we have a new visitor to this duck club. There were at least 5 mallard drakes there this morning, same pond, same PA location. This pair was there. I have ideas, but anyone with help it's appreciated. Thanks!!

Male and female Wood Duck. Most duck species aren't that difficult to ID, especially from images, if you sit down with a decent field guide.

Thank you Bob, that's what I thought they were. Is it unusual to have all of those mallards, mergansers, possibly common and hooded, and wood ducks, all in the same small pond?? I guess I just got lucky finding this. Very frustrated w/ the lack of equipment though, saw three GBH including a couple in flight. Got shots of them, but they aren't usable other than for reference, just lacking in power. :(

Bill, it's migration right now so birds will be constantly moving and making stopovers in likely habitat. Having multiple duck species in a good pond at this time of year isn't unusual.

Identifying species is only part of birding. Understanding status and distribution is equaly important. That comes with time and skill building. Good reference material (books, magazine articles) will help as well.

Bob, I've only been even trying to get into bird photography for a couple of months now. Yes, it takes all those things and in a short time, believe it or not, I have seen progress. BUT, the other part of that equation is equipment. And I don't see myself upgrading, unfortunately, in the near future. And that disappoints me to no end, but it shouldn't keep me from doing the rest as you say.

I'm with Drew on the females. The female Common Merganser doesn't have the long crest like these.