Just 20 days can make a big difference in the way this Ruddy Duck drake looks. His bill is a lot bluer now than it was when I first saw him at my local pond.

Ruddy Duck drake on November 25, 2023, Salt Lake County, UtahRuddy Duck drake on November 25, 2023 – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/2000, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I first saw this Ruddy Duck drake and a hen on November 14th. I didn’t take any good photos of him that day, but on the 25th of November, I took this image.

The adult Ruddy Duck barely had any blue on his bill on that date. There was only a hint of the sky blue his bill will be in full breeding plumage, close to his face.

Ruddy Duck drakes are known for going into their breeding plumage later than most other ducks in North America.

But this Ruddy Duck drake?

He has surprised me. You’ll see why in the next photo.

Ruddy Duck drake on December 15, 2023, Salt Lake County, UtahRuddy Duck drake on December 15, 2023 – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Just twenty days after I took the first photo, this drake Ruddy Duck’s bill is a lot bluer. In fact, it is practically all blue now, which is earlier than I would have expected.

Plus, if you look closely, you can see chestnut-colored feathers on his flanks. The males of this species have chestnut-colored bodies in breeding plumage. He had no chestnut colored feathers on his body just twenty days ago.

I don’t know why this drake Ruddy Duck is transitioning into breeding plumage this soon, but I find it fascinating. I plan on continuing my observations of this male duck if he and his mate stick around at my local pond.

Birds? They make life interesting.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Ruddy Duck photos plus facts and information on this species.