The Ceremonial Preen

 

 Off Dock Beach, Red-breasted mergansers with their saw-bills and shaggy “headdress” perform the morning ritual of preening here in West Harbor.

Both air and water temperatures continue to plunge these days-and watching area waterfowl seems to be the best natural barometer. It’s important that plumage is continually protected and feathers aligned with preen oil to achieve optimum waterproofing.