Christmas on the Broward is here. While visions of sugar plums may be dancing in the childrens head, visions of Hooded Mergansers are dancing in mine. As I sit on the dock, in my new camouflage seat, I can rest assured the “Hoodies” can’t see me and hopefully will swim right under my feet on the dock. In the Interim, I paid a visit to my secret Hoodie Hangout.

As I approached the hideout a sinister looking juvenile alligator became alarmed and dashed and splashed into the pond. No Hoodies here today and if they were they would be gator bait. A few days later I returned, and what did my eyes behold? It wasn’t a man with a sleigh, it was a male and female Hooded Merganser. As I approached they warily swam to the far end of the pond. After a few rounds of back and forth I just sat down and they calmed down and began to feed. The light was just right. I had hoped to get a classic Hoodie pose where they sit up in the water and flap their wings dry. No luck today. The following day I returned and found two males chasing after the female Merganser for attention. The three hoodies ignored my presence and again began to feed. This time I waited and prayed for a wing flap shot. I got one but it was facing away. I prayed again, please just let me get a face on shot. The bird turned around and reared up. My doohickey was ready. What a Blessing.

From my house to yours, the Editor and I wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas..and hope to see ya Next Year..Be Blessed..Harry

Reflections on Broward is now "Mountain Musings"

Hoodie Winked