Bird of the day: Female mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

Female mallard standing on dock, looking over her shoulder while wind ruffles her neck feathers

Most domestic duck breeds are descended from mallards and classified as the same species, Anas platyrhynchos. So it can be hard to tell if a white duck is an escaped domestic or a mallard that lacks feather pigments. Whatever the case may be, this one is pretty cute. I took a lot of pictures.

Read more …

Bird of the day: White mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

White duck with orange bill and feet standing on wooden dock

Most domestic duck breeds are descended from mallards and classified as the same species, Anas platyrhynchos. So it can be hard to tell if a white duck is an escaped domestic or a mallard that lacks feather pigments. Whatever the case may be, this one is pretty cute. I took a lot of pictures.

Read more …

Bird of the Day: A White Duck

white duck swimming near rocks

We saw this duck today on the edge of the lake while we were on our walk. We argued for a while over what kind of bird it was (Companion was convinced it was a gull until he caught the color of the bill), because white ducks are not a common thing around here. While it could be a leucistic (partially albino) mallard … Read more …

Third Day of Spring: Ducks! (or as we say around here, "Duck-ays!")

On the third day of spring, we saw another redtail hawk. And I had the camera with me this time! I maxed out the zoom and the photo was still blurry. I’d say I should get camera with a higher zoom, but then I’ll start maxing out that zoom and want one that’s even better. It’s a Sisyphean quest. It was … Read more