We associate a large influx of Red-breasted Mergansers to Lake Macatawa with the Christmas season as they usually appear just before the Christmas Bird Count. We see lots of them flying back and forth from Lake Michigan inland to Lake Macatawa or floating in the water.
When in the channel ducks float close to the NOAA Station. This photo shows the rusty/red head and long crest. The reddish eyes are slightly reflecting the sunlight as well as her orangish bill. The water droplets show she had recently been diving.