Four Images of a female Common Merganser trying to swallow her catch and protect it against perceived predators; namely, Mallards, American Black Ducks and this photographer. I say" perceived predators" as neither the Ducks, nor I would know what to do with the big Catfish. I think the Mallards and Blacks were just wondering what all the commotion was about and I, I just wanted to take a few shots. The Merganser was, however, panicking as it was confined to a small area of open water and no matter how hard she tried, she did not seem able to swallow her catch. It was so cold that icicles were forming on her head as she was unable to dive in to the warmer water whilst keeping hold of her fish.

Top Image: The Merganser has the big fish lined up for swallowing, but no luck this time. She then seems to detect several Mallards coming towards her.


Looks like the Mallards have her cornered. There's one on each side and an other (not shown) behind her.


The Merganser takes a better grip of the fish and prepares to make a run for it even though the Mallards only seem o be curious.



Then, the chase is on.