Drake Ruddy Duck in nonbreeding plumage – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Most of the male ducks I see here in northern Utah molt into their breeding plumage starting in September, October and November and the drakes look pretty flashy during the winter as they try to attract mates for the breeding season but that is not the case with Ruddy Duck drakes.
Ruddy Duck drakes don’t molt into their breeding plumage until around March which is considerably later than most of the other male ducks I photograph during the winter. We do have Ruddy Ducks in this area year round though so I am able to see and photograph these small diving ducks in both their breeding and nonbreeding plumage.
One year ago today I was on the auto tour route at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge during the morning hours and spotted a few Ruddy Ducks close enough to the road to photograph. I wish they had been closer but they are pretty skittish on the refuge during the hunting season and I can’t say I blame them for being that way.
Even though this drake Ruddy Duck is small in the frame I liked this image because of the silky blue water, the small wake behind the duck, the direct eye contact and how some of the blue of this drake’s bill is visible.
The weather forecast here isn’t especially good for bird photography over the next week but I’m hoping I can catch a few breaks in between storm fronts or when a sucker hole moves through. I’d much rather be out with the birds than cooped up inside.
Life is good.
Mia
For Ken: This is a few frames later and I showed more of the wake.
Nonbreeding Ruddy Duck drake and his wake – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
To view more of my Ruddy Duck images and information on this species click here.
Great pics! There is, at least for me, a surreal quality to these images.The flat blue surface of the water disturbed only by the wake of a solitary duck going about his business. Very cool. Love your commentary too. Thanks Mia.
Just gorgeous. And thank you and Ken for the additional photo.
One of my favorite ducks to hold, I just want to squeeze him!
I love the reflection. I kinda wish you had placed the duck over to the left and shown more of his wake, in another photo, of course!
Ken, I added another photo where more of the wake shows 🙂
It is exciting to see a male Ruddy in non-breeding plumage and still with a bit of blue , then to see the radical change in Spring.. I lucked out last year and found a family for the first time. This is the duck that got me started buying field guides to discover and learn more about what is out there in our ponds and waterways. What a joy it is to watch and take photos of our feathered friends!
I really appreciate you adding the bird facts you add! I love the little ruddy ducks with their stiff tails following behind them. They ae so cute.
Even in winter plumage, these little ducks are pretty.