Ruddy Ducks

Ye who have never seen the plumage and antics of a breeding male ruddy duck are, in my opinion, the poorer for it. They are one of only six stiff-tailed duck species in the world; certainly a breed apart. I've only seen them a few times myself; these were taken last week in SW Manitoba. For a real treat, search for some videos of them on You Tube; their displays are, in a word, outlandish. The male's bill-pumping and surface-scooting are really something to see.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Good stuff. One of the places I lived 40 years ago had a bunch of breeding ruddys. Great show.

Will have to check that out, Al. When I see them, they're more sedate and I have to marvel at the blue bill. Good shooting and info.

Really great shots...thanks for sharing. Haven't seen a Ruddy in quite a while.

Smashing little characters, sadly shot to extintion by the RSPB here in the UK

Great shot!

Mel-S wrote in post #17557875
Good stuff. One of the places I lived 40 years ago had a bunch of breeding ruddys. Great show.

ardeekay wrote in post #17557997
Will have to check that out, Al. When I see them, they're more sedate and I have to marvel at the blue bill. Good shooting and info.

Dano_nav wrote in post #17558023
Really great shots...thanks for sharing. Haven't seen a Ruddy in quite a while.

cannylad wrote in post #17558144
Smashing little characters, sadly shot to extintion by the RSPB here in the UK

RLJSlick wrote in post #17558148
Great shot!

Thank you for your comments; I appreciate them.

Very well done Al! I have not had the pleasure yet, still waiting.

we get them here in the winter, but always miss the breeding colors and displays. Thanks for the examples

Grizz wrote in post #17558476
Very well done Al! I have not had the pleasure yet, still waiting.

nwyman wrote in post #17559365
we get them here in the winter, but always miss the breeding colors and displays. Thanks for the examples

Thank you, both, very kindly.

Beautiful shots Al. You are so right about their breeding display.

Vury nice Al, even showing the front of his backside!

2n10 wrote in post #17559612
Beautiful shots Al. You are so right about their breeding display.

Oldjackssparrows wrote in post #17559974
Vury nice Al, even showing the front of his backside!

Thanks, guys; I'm glad you liked the jaunty little fellow.

That is a duck I have never seen before. You captured him perfectly! Thank you for sharing this with us. I enjoy seeing new species that you post here many I am seeing for the first time.

butterfly2937 wrote in post #17560994
That is a duck I have never seen before. You captured him perfectly! Thank you for sharing this with us. I enjoy seeing new species that you post here many I am seeing for the first time.

Thank you so much. I hope you get to see one someday; they are worth a trip!