I've mentioned before that our office is nestled in a crook of the Mascoma River. It's a great spot for wildlife.

One winter morning there were moose tracks over a frozen, snow covered section of the river. There have been beaver, muskrats (or maybe large New York rats come north for holiday), and a wide variety of birds. The river has a wide, slow section, which makes an ideal landing spot for ducks on their way through.

I caught this Hooded Merganser through the zoom lens when he scooted by an opening along the embankment. One of these days I'll figure out how to sneak up on the spot for a better shot. Maybe set up one of these photo blinds? Or go undercover and try to blend in.