I saw these ducks a little removed from a large group of noisy mallards. Throughout the summer I noticed a few pairs of these ducks at the lake. This particular afternoon they were enjoying a solitary swim. Less boisterous than the mallards, the calm water and the muted colours of the late fall seemed made for them. Although the same size and shape as mallards, their colouring makes me think they might be a mix of mallard and American Black Duck.
April 7, 2017 at 11:23 am
Beautiful photos, Belinda. This is tricky identifying because there’s different stages of life and there could be some hybridization too, which is not uncommon in mallards. You captured their beauty so wonderfully.
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April 7, 2017 at 3:45 pm
Thank you Jet!
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April 6, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Nice shots. They could also be juveniles. The male is starting to get some green on his head. Bill colors can vary. If not for the green, they are close to a Mottled duck, but their range is south costal – Florida to Texas, down into Mexico.
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April 6, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Thank you. Appreciate the info.
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April 6, 2017 at 2:36 pm
All are sweet… and especially like the top one with the reflection! 🙂
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April 6, 2017 at 3:56 pm
Thank you Tom!
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April 6, 2017 at 11:37 am
Apparently ducks aren’t all that discriminating and pairing often happens between species, creating a variety of hybrids. It can make IDing a challenge!
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April 6, 2017 at 1:54 pm
You’re right about that😊
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April 6, 2017 at 8:24 am
Very nice shots. Funny, no matter where we are, or what we photograph, it always returns to the humble duck. Beautiful birds.
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April 6, 2017 at 9:44 am
Thanks! They are among my favourites as well.
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April 6, 2017 at 8:05 am
Nice captures. I especially liek the second shot with the drop of water from the bill and the little flash of blue.
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April 6, 2017 at 9:43 am
Thank you, pleased you do.
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April 6, 2017 at 2:17 am
Mallards have a tendency to breed with other ducks. Lovely photographs both.
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April 6, 2017 at 7:59 am
Thank you
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April 6, 2017 at 1:18 am
I love their yellow bill. I’ve never seen this duck. Thank you for sharing!!
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April 6, 2017 at 7:46 am
Thank you😊
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