Yesterday morning, I had a real treat photographing a drake Ruddy Duck close to home. He was in his most dapper breeding plumage, including his sky blue bill.
Spring drake Ruddy Duck swimming in an urban pond – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This particular drake Ruddy Duck has been at the pond for several months. Until yesterday, he has stayed out of reach of my camera lens. Once, I did have him within reach, but all he did was sleep. So, when he started swimming towards me, I was positively delighted.
Male Ruddy Duck showing his stiff tail – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As the drake Ruddy Duck swam closer, I kept taking photos. At that time, I kept expecting him to turn away and pass by where I stood with my lens aimed at him.
In this image, I was happy to see that his stiff tail was clearly visible.
Spring drake Ruddy Duck portrait – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The drake Ruddy Duck surprised me and swam close enough to where I stood that I could take portraits of him. His blue bill, chestnut colored body, black cap, and white cheek patch seemed to glow in the morning light.
I think I was holding my breath when I took these portraits. I was simply excited because this was the first time a wild Ruddy Duck had swam so close to me. Maybe I did forget to breathe a few times.
Male Ruddy Duck portrait in spring – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the Ruddy Duck turned in the water, I expected him to swim away from me. What happened next made me laugh out loud. He swam behind some rushes in the water and proceeded to perform a Bubbling Display. The entire time he performed this display, he had his eyes on me. I giggled about that and told him that even though I am single and free as a bird, I wasn’t a duck.
Yes, I talk to birds and animals when I am in the field.
Note:
The Bubbling Display is a courtship display but is also used by males as an aggressive display. I may have been standing near a female that has been hanging out with this drake. If she was there, she was well hidden in the rushes on the shoreline.
Spring drake Ruddy Duck up close – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A few moments later, the drake Ruddy Duck came back out into the open, and I took a few more photos of him floating on the water. When he turned and swam away, I thanked him out loud. I felt honored that he felt safe enough to allow me to take these images, which are my best and closest of the drakes of this species so far.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Ruddy Duck photos plus facts and information on this species.
I don’t know Mia. He’s a pretty good looking fellow; what with his manly burnt orange coloring and beautiful blue beak…you might want to reconsider his offer of friendship.
This is a great series of shots I love the eye-contact and it is a wonder to me how you coaxed so much detail out of his dark plumage. Thanks Mia.
He is a handsome boy.
What an absolute charmer. And I failed on the Drake Ruddy Duck count.
What a gorgeous creature! Terrific photos. Love that sky-blue bill and the still-water reflections.
Beautiful pictures! We were there a few days ago and saw him plus a hen Ruddy. She is definitely there somewhere. I absolutely love baby ruddy ducks! They are adorable.. hopefully we get some at the pond. We saw some at the aviary a couple years back. So so cute! 🥺
Love that sky-blue beak!—Jeri
I’m choosing to believe that this fine gentleman was flirting with you! What a looker he is! (Also, I’m completely tongue-tied after several attempts to say, “Drake Ruddy Duck,” 5 times fast.)
Marty, I can’t say “Drake Ruddy Duck” fives times without mangling it! I kind of think the drake was a little flirty!