Hooded Mergansers Enjoy Crawfish
I have been photographing the Hooded Mergansers (and other waterfowl) on the Central Park Reservoir lately. What's interesting about the Hooded Mergansers is that they enjoy dining on the abundant crawfish population at the south end of the reservoir near the pumping station.According to Peter Warney (who is an expert in such matters) these are the same crawfish enjoyed by New Orleaners in their gumbo and jambalaya. Usually crustaceans of the family Astacidae are referred to as crawfish (or crayfish). Crawfish are considered a delicacy in both Europe and America. This smaller, fresh water cousin to the lobster was no doubt introduced into Central Park's waters. A large photo of a Great Blue Heron trying unsuccessfully to eat a crawfish appears in my book, "Birds of Central Park."
The birds don't eat the whole crawfish, however. My photos reveal that they manoeuvre the crustaceans with their beaks until they have are holding their prey by the claws. They then shake their meal rapidly until the claws separate from the body and swallow only the claws. I don't know how they digest the hard outer shell but they clearly enjoy the meal. The females appear to be much more adept at catching the crustaceans than the males.
I have also observed both male and females diving for Turkey Oak acorns. Turkey Oaks surround the reservoir and the ground is littered with acorns. I've got to believe plenty fall into the water and settle on the bottom.
Last winter I observed female Wood Ducks diving for Turkey Oak acorns at the Harlem Meer.
