Hooded Merganser - Female

I found this female Hooded Merganser at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge on Friday just past the blind in the stream on the right side of the road. I had to maneuver my car a bit to get a clear shot through the branches.
I've never seen a Hooded Merganser out of the water. I am surprised at the size of the body, legs and feet. They seem so much smaller and sleeker in the water.

Betrothed

Here's a series of photos of a male and female Hooded Merganser. They were sharing the pond at Mentor Graphics with the Canadian geese. There was a whole lot of strutting going on by both, so I assume they were going through mating rituals. Note that the images show their hoods both extended and laid back. Very pretty birds.