These Ring-necked Ducks were cruising the Ponds today. I think they might winter here. Anyway, I enjoyed watching them. You can often find Ring-necked Ducks in fairly small, shallow wetlands, such as these Delta Ponds. Even though they are called Ring-necked Ducks, don’t look for a ring around the neck—it’s really hard to see. Look instead for the bird’s peaked head shape, white ring around the bill, and white patch just in front of the gray flanks.

Interesting fact: The oldest known Ring-necked Duck was a male, at least 20 years, 5 months old. He was banded in 1964 in Louisiana and was shot in 1983, in Minnesota. For more information press here for Link