When I was a popcorn and bread-crumb duck-feedin' kid, I loved Mallards. One time, when I was about five years old, I was swinging on a handful of weeping willow vines out over the edge a of duck pond. The vines snapped and I fell into the shallow water. The water may have been shallow, but the mud was deep and I was certain that it was more duck pooh than mud. I still loved those ducks.
When I started birding, I quickly ticked Mallards off the bird trip list. When I become an eBirder, I counted them. Now that I endeavor to photograph birds, my thrill with drake mallards has been reinvigorated.
The smoothness of their feathers almost has a fluid quality and grace. Photos help you zoom in and enjoy the finer texture of the different feathers.
Strong yellow bills and bright orange feet! These common ducks are a color buffet!
Maybe one day I will discover a new found appreciation of the plain ol' brown female Mallard...maybe 'cause they're mothers.
Beautiful Series..I would love to see a series on the plain ole brown female:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Mallards are my favorite duck.
ReplyDeleteThey are indeed beautiful birds, but so common that one might forget about them ;-) beautiful collection!
ReplyDeleteGotta love the mallards. I couldn't believe it when I learned about their eclipse plumage- they pretend to be women!
ReplyDeleteEvery day is Mallard Appreciation Day.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, the colors of the Mallard drake are very cool - we shouldn't forget that this common bird is a beauty too!
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