With their distinctive sawbill bills and flashy plumage, red-breasted mergansers are more than just ducks. They're expert divers, skilled fishers, and captivating residents of coastal waters and freshwater lakes. From their remarkable adaptations for underwater hunting to their vibrant breeding displays, these "sawbill specialists" hold a story waiting to be explored.Unlike dabbling ducks that feed at the surface, red-breasted mergansers are masters of the underwater world. Their streamlined bodies, powerful wings for propulsion, and webbed feet act like rudders, allowing them to dive deep in pursuit of prey. Their namesake feature, the serrated bill with saw-like edges, excels at gripping slippery fish, ensuring a successful catch. Witnessing a red-breasted merganser disappear beneath the water's surface, its powerful strokes propelling it forward, reveals their remarkable diving prowess. You'll find this efficient predator in the coves at Quiet Waters, or at Thomas Point.
