Mallard - Hardly a Rare Duck

Posted by Chris Petrak

I am delighted to make my first contribution to "Birding Is Fun!" - because birding  is fun, or should be. I find birding an exercise in serendipity - one just never knows when something new, something unexpected, something catch-your-breath gorgeous will suddenly appear.

That said, I begin with a post of a bird which, in the eyes of some, will put my status as a birder at risk - the Mallard.

If the Mallard were a rare duck, we would fall over ourselves in finding ways to describe the handsome drake. But it is so common, easily tamed, and even self-domesticating, that it is typically ignored.

Mallard - drake

Mallard - drake & hen

 The Mallard is a dabbler (which occasionally will dive), usually feeding in shallow waters on a wide variety of plants and small creatures.

Mallard - hen and drake

The Mallard is a year-round resident in southeastern Vermont. Except in exceptionally severe winters, fast moving streams always have some open water and that is enough for the Mallard. Along the Whetstone Brook in downtown Brattleboro, Mallards provide winter entertainment as they try their hand at the winter sport of ice walking ...

Drake Mallard "ice walking" - note also the "tail curls"

 ... or stretch precariously for a drink after squabbling after bread crumbs - handsome still, if a bit awkward.

The semi-domesticated status of many Mallards give all manner of birders, bird watchers, and casual passers-by an opportunity to glimpse the kind of nature which makes us want to preserve nature - the mother with her young ...

Mallard hen keeps a watch over her sleepy brood

Back to the handsome drake. We may overlook him because he is so common, but the hen is swept off her feet (or wings?) by the dashing fellow. This one unable to contain her enthusiasm - hooray to you, you wonderful, manly, hunk of duck!!

Good Birding!