Ruddy Duck

Ruddy Ducks are one of my favorites. The male's looks and behavior are most comical. Ruddies are one of only six stiff-tailed ducks in the world. This year's trip to SW Manitoba got me closer to them than ever before. My wife and I saw a pair of mounted Ruddy Ducks at the old Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota last December and were amazed at how really small they are. But what they lack in size, they make up for with their antics.

pretty duck, I wish they were local for me!

we get to see them in the winter - and while they are comical, I would LOVE to see them in their breeding plumage. We had quite a lot of them locally this year.

lijoec wrote in post #18364905
pretty duck, I wish they were local for me!

They are indeed handsome.

nwyman wrote in post #18364980
we get to see them in the winter - and while they are comical, I would LOVE to see them in their breeding plumage. We had quite a lot of them locally this year.

Where are you located?

CDMOOSE wrote in post #18365549
They are indeed handsome.

Where are you located?

Maryland's Eastern Shore, on the bay side, not the oceanside.

Nice shot. Yes, they are funny birds.

Really great shots, Al. Quite common in our Texas location but all I've seen them do is quietly swim around and preen. 1 male was a bit ahead on the breeding plumage -his bill was as blue as those above.
And yes, quite small.

Archibald wrote in post #18365752
Nice shot. Yes, they are funny birds.

Thank you so much for commenting, Archibald; I appreciate it.

ardeekay wrote in post #18366341
Really great shots, Al. Quite common in our Texas location but all I've seen them do is quietly swim around and preen. 1 male was a bit ahead on the breeding plumage -his bill was as blue as those above.
And yes, quite small.

Thanks, Rog. Have you ever seen the males pump their bills against their breasts in rapid fashion as part of the courtship display; quite hilarious.

No, not much courting going in Jan.-Mar., I guess. My loss!

Very nice

Crimzon wrote in post #18367403
Very nice

Thanks!

good ones Al- I wish we had a wider variety of duck visitors down here