Merganser in Santa Cruz, California (1 Viewer)

[vbnut]

I took this photo shortly before noon near the mouth of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz, California. I'm not sure whether it is Common or a Red-breasted Merganser (female).

 

[david kelly]

Common Merganser, or as I would call it, Goosander. The demarcation between the rufous head and white throats/grey neck is clear and neat and the breast isn’t spotty.

David

 

[vbnut]

Thank you David, especially for explaining what evidence you used for your identification. Hopefully that will help me in the future.