Hooded Mergansers at Silver Lake on St. Simons Island act as tame as any domestic ducks when they come up begging for bread. I was shocked to see this behavior when we were there in Jan.

eugenia thompson Athens

At 09:06 PM 3/14/02 -0500, Marion Dobbs wrote: >A behavioral note.... Some time ago, Jim Flynn asked me about the American >Wigeons that hustled right up to him seeking a handout when he was >photographing them at Garden Lakes in Floyd Co.; he wanted to know if they >were there year round. They're not, but I've paid close attention this >winter, and believe this is a learned behavior by a number of the wintering >waterfowl. As the months have passed, the once skittish birds have become >bolder and bolder as visitors arrive in the late afternoon with loaves of >bread. This behavior is most prevalent in the smallest pond, and the >American Wigeon and Ring-necked Duck are the primary wintering species >involved. Gadwall tend to keep their distance, as did the Redheads when they >were around. I assume they "unlearn" or forget this upon returning to the >breeding grounds, and have to start all over again next season. Have others >noted similar behavior elsewhere? > >Marion Dobbs >Rome GA > >