Around the Island

Rare — and beautiful — birds on a rare visit

DON BINDLER PHOTO | Hooded merganser couple swimming on West Neck Bay.

Don Bindler captured a view of  a couple of usually scarce and secretive hooded mergansers, which may be our most beautiful local waterfowl in winter.

“Usually, for some reason, we have had quite a few around the Island this season,” Mr. Bindler said. “They will be leaving soon as their habitat to the north thaws.”

Mr. Bindler took the picture of this pair on Monday in West Neck Bay.