Male Hooded Merganser Display

@Duncan Galbraith: Thanks Duncan. I was going to go with "Check out the big brain on Brad...", but figured the "Pulp Fiction" reference would be lost on most.

@Lisa Reeve: There are a number of excellent opportunities both in and out of the city proper. Portland boasts a wonderful Audubon Society with tons of information. Or, you can take a trip to Sauvie's Island, or Laurelhurst Park, or any of the damp areas around the Columbia slough. There is a wildlife refuge in Tualitin, one in St. Mary's Woods, as well as just west of Hillsboro to name a few. Forest park offers thousands of opportunities, and there are many small "islands" of wildlife habitat in and among corporate parks and other large developments. (These smaller areas are required by Oregon law when development might impact wildlife.) In short, anywhere and everywhere in the Portland metro area.

If memory serves, you're not from around here, so feel free to e-mail if you need more specific info.

Cheers.

@Madhu: Thank you.

@badala: Thank you.

@Manuela Photography: I'm sure that's what he was going for with this pose. Thank you.

@Anne: Hi Anne- This is an uncommon bird found in wooded lakes and streams. My literature indicates that you might find them in south-western Canada in the warmer months, but not in winter. (Not for nothing: I usually try to include the common name in the photo title...)

@Jerry: Thank you. This was an effort to improve on the shot posted here: http://mtrujillo.aminus3.com/image/2006-12-13.html

@Angry Buddha: Thank you. This one almost didn't make the cut.

@Dimitrios: Thanks for the kind words. The pleasure is entirely my own.