Finally got a chance to get out and take a walk around Wilde Lake in
Columbia. Perhaps because the last two days have been above freezing, there
is now a large "puddle" of open water in the middle of the lake. In addition
to the usual suspects ("scads" of Canada Geese, Mallards, Ring-billed Gulls
and a lone Ringed-neck Duck) there were 8 male and 2 female Hooded
Mergansers. The males were pretty showy - raising their snow-white crests to
impress those two females! 

Sue Probst

Howard County Bird Club