While on my way to the loon nest at Jordan Pond, I came upon this family of Common Mergansers. It was my first time seeing these beauties. I started following the female and her three chicks and kept track of them all summer into Fall. At one point, I witnessed them being attacked by one of the adult loons who had nested on the pond. The loon relentlessly rushed the mergansers from underwater like a torpedo. Fortunately, the mom scurried her chicks on some rocks and all turned out well on that day. But the last time I spotted them, only one chick was with mom.
Mom brings family on rocks during Loon attack.
Chicks were already fishing on their own.
Mom watching loon.
RTY Photography Blog 
Beautiful captures Ray…..
Beautiful and tragic, Ray — you tell a memorable story in words — and none of us can match your images! I want to say ‘beauty queen’, with regard to that female — and not to trivialize her in any way. She has the courage and persistence of Joan of Arc. Thank you c
Thanks, Carolyn.
Whether individually or collectively you patiently and beautifully captured the Common Mergansers on their excursion! Well done, Ray!
Thanks, Glenn.
Really nicely captured, Ray. I enjoyed viewing the images.