A couple of weeks ago I posted some brief observations on social behavior in hooded mergansers, which were evidently lost in the holiday rush. (The observations, that is, not the mergansers.) Only one kind person responded to my original post.
Since I'm still very interested in what I observed, I'll give my questions a second chance here, in hopes I might receive a few more replies. In particular, I'm interested to know if there's any research on whether mergansers and other waterfowl can recognize each other individually, and what social behaviors they might base on that recognition. I'd also like to know if there's strong site fidelity for favorite ponds during the winter months, and whether the ponds offer opportunities for social bonds to be renewed each year. If anyone can share any information on this, as well as suggestions for worthwhile books or papers, please reply to me off-list with my thanks and appreciation in advance. Thank you, John A.
