NIKON D500 with AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR, 1/800 sec at F5.0, ISO 400, distance 7.94 m

This duck lives in the collection of a hobby breeder near Berkel.

NIKON D7100 with AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR II, 1/1250 sec at F4.0, ISO 200, distance 19.95 m

A cocked merganser. Last winter I had already seen this species in Columbus and near Toronto, but they also occur here. This specimen swam in a city park, where it was easy to approach.

NIKON D7100 with AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR II, 1/1250 sec at F3.2, ISO 250, distance 44.67 m

The female of the cocked merganser with its crest fluttering in the wind. You can't see it in the photo, but it was also 8 degrees below zero!

NIKON D7100 with AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR II, 1/2000 sec at F3.2, ISO 320, distance 44.67 m

Large groups of cockade mergansers (wikipedia: A cockade is a usually round insignia, often worn on a hat or cap, that symbolizes a certain country, area or organization (such as an army, royal house or political party) or a certain rank or position)), but unfortunately always at a great distance. The males can put on a collar, which is why it is called 'hooded'. You can see this in the birds at the bottom right.