Mirror Image

Anderson Pond, tucked away in Ephraim, provides a quiet refuge for wildlife, where even the slightest movement can send ripples through its glassy surface. In this moment, two hooded mergansers float in near-perfect symmetry, their reflections so crisp they blur the line between reality and illusion. This image has become something of a family prank—flipping it upside down and waiting to see how long it takes for my mother to notice. My brother-in-law, inspired by the game, has expanded the tradition to turning random photos upside down, much to my mother’s dismay.

Hooded mergansers are among the more secretive waterfowl of the region, favoring secluded ponds and slow-moving waterways like Anderson Pond. The male, with his striking black-and-white crest and piercing yellow eyes, cuts a bold contrast against the still water, while the female’s warm brown plumage and wispy crest create a more understated beauty. Mergansers are diving ducks, built for chasing small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans beneath the surface. Their thin, serrated bills act like built-in fishhooks, making them highly efficient hunters.

This quiet pond is part of a larger conservation effort under the stewardship of the Door County Land Trust. Once slated for development, Anderson Pond and its surrounding wetlands have been preserved as a sanctuary for birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. It’s a place where nature unfolds uninterrupted—a haven where mergansers can glide undisturbed and where a patient observer, crouched 70 yards away, can capture a fleeting moment of mirrored perfection.

All prints are of museum quality and printed in The USA. Canvas Prints are wrapped around a hardwood frame to prevent long-term wrapping and utilize a 0.75" thick wrap. Metal Prints are glossy, vibrant, and of course are ready to hang.  These prints make a statement and bring Door County home to your wall.