Friday, March 2, 2012

Hey Buddy, You're Lookin' Kinda Ruddy

It's getting the be that time of year (No, not Christmas). The Avocets and Gadwalls are getting their rusty heads. The Quail are starting to flirt and the Verdins are already building nests. It was an added bit of excitement this weekend to see some Ruddy Ducks changing into their breeding plumage. In addition to the lovely scab-red coloration in the males, the Ducks develop a beautiful, eye-catching blue on their beaks, which attracts people as well as mates.


I've spent all winter looking at these little cuties from across the water. They've always been in their muted, eclipse plumage, and almost always had their heads tucked away, biding their time until spring. There were some Ruddy Ducks down at Patagonia last weekend, and they were not in their breeding plumage yet, so maybe these four down in Gilbert are a bit early. What will their parents say!?

A fine new coat like his must be kept slim and trim. This male spent a little bit of time preening, making sure he looked quite fabulous before his afternoon date.


When he was good and ready, he tried to get some attention. "Hey guys, over here!"



After he had his stretch and knew that all eyes were on him, the Ruddy Duck started running/flying from one side of the pond to the other. He'd get going full speed, but just when it seemed like he was ready to lift off, he'd splash back down into the water.



Back and forth he went, moving with no particular grace or fluency, but with great energy nonetheless. It was a lot of fun to watch, and I'm sure that if I were a female Ruddy, I'd be very attracted.

10 comments:

  1. Excellent captures Laurence! That blue is quite an eye catcher! Watch out ladies!

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    1. Thanks Tammy. Yes it's not big deep blue eyes for the Ruddy Duck. No that's child's play. We went and got hi whole mouth and nose blue; that's eye-catching!

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  2. Nice behavior catch! Ducks are so fun to watch when 'courting'!

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    1. Thanks Lauren, I often look to the birds for ideas.

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  3. I just love the bright blue bills of Ruddy Ducks and you have captured that very well Laurence. Love the action shown in the images too!

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    1. That blue is incredibly striking. I've been looking forward to it all year.

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  4. He's a lot handsomer than any of the Ruddys I've seen. Great shots!

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    1. Thanks Nicholas, he seemed to be quite the stud.

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  5. Wonderful shots Laurence. I have only seen in non-breeding plumage, gorgeous colors

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    1. Thanks Dan. Thus was my first sighting in their breeding plumage, a wait well worth it!

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