......Ruddy Ducks. These are such cool and comical little ducks. They do a mating ritual called bubbling, which is really humerus to watch. Ruddy's have two complete color phases. In the fall and winter months they are a brownish colored duck without much eye catching appeal, but in the late spring and summer, the males get a beautiful ruddy or reddish color with bright blue bills. They are the only waterfowl species that I photograph during the summer months. Here are a few shots:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4223/34239316754_dc25f372ca_o.jpg
shaking the water off
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4210/34695858660_393ae1ded4_o.jpg
Momma with a couple ducklings
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4222/34952129661_af0d386111_o.jpg
This guy is doing a matting ritual called "bubbling." I get a kick out of watching the males do it.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4280/34239316534_35481040ed_o.jpg
This is an unusual male. Notice he does not have a distinct white face patch like the others. I've never seen one with a white colored face like he has.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4233/34239394344_0915454673_o.jpg
He politely waved good-by to me, before departing.
......Ruddy Ducks. These are such cool and comical... (