Common Merganser vs Red-breasted Merganser in Reno, Nevada 5/16/23 (2 Viewers)

[birdinainteasy]

Hello - new birder here - thanks for the help!

Two new guests arrived at Idlewild Park in Reno, Nevada today that I haven't seen before. I captured the below two images of those guests and I am having a hard time deciphering if they are Common Mergansers or the Red-breasted Mergansers.

I appreciate any help!

 

[rkj]

The white chin sharply set off from the dark neck makes this a Common Merganser.

 

[Rotherbirder]

The white chin sharply set off from the dark neck makes this a Common Merganser.

Note also the markedly heavier bill than in RBM.

RB

 

[gsimonel]

Those are really outstanding photographs.

 

[birdinainteasy]

Thank you all for your responses above! I am an experienced photographer, but I have so very much to learn in the birding world. I am starting with very little knowledge, but am looking forward to the learning journey. Identification is going to be tough for a while, so I will be returning to this forum. I really appreciate you all. My new motto: "Birdin' ain't easy!"

It has been a wonderful week since I went full throttle with different species searching. I am finding new local places that I would have never gone to before, and I am viewing landscapes from a very different perspective. All wonderful, all very cool! I just started an Instagram page with the same username to share bird imagery only as well, so I hope we can connect! Thanks again.

 

[delia todd]

Hi birdinainteasy and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators. It sounds like you live in a wonderful place, and I hope we might be able to see some of your pictures in the Gallery.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.