In a message dated 4/6/2008 5:38:01 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
 writes:

While on  the C & O May count on May 14, 2005, we observed 32  to 35 Common  
Mergansers chicks on a rock in the Potomac between Pennyfield and   Violet 
locks 
with two adult females nearby. For the past several years, I  have  been 
observing Common Mergansers on the Potomac from the banks  of Riverbend Park  
in 
Great Falls VA. throughout the year including  late spring and  summer.  

Ralph Wall
Great Falls, VA  




Ralph,
 
Right! I remember that sighting, as compiler (past) for the Montgomery  
County May Count. It was an astonishing number so I contacted Sally Wechsler  about 
it. She confirmed it and so into the records it went. I have read that  
female mergansers will dump eggs in other females nests, though I can't remember  
exactly why.
 
Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD




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