Mergansers and Mallards

The onset of winter has brought several annual visitors back to Prairie Ridge. Waterfowl that spend the summer months breeding further north migrate to the ponds, lakes, and marshes of North Carolina for the winter. Among the more common Mallards and Canada Geese come striking birds such as the Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus). Three Hooded Mergansers have been seen foraging on both permanent ponds at Prairie Ridge. Look for these and other waterfowl during your next visit.

Find out more about the natural happenings at Prairie Ridge at our What Time Is It In Nature Archive.