This was our first sighting and opportunity to photograph this unusual and amazing looking duck.

Most duck species have one or two characteristics that make them different. But with ruddy ducks, almost everything is unusual. Although abundant in summer, few people get a glimpse of them.

Ruddy ducks are shy, spending much of their time surrounded by the cattails that grow in shallow water at the edge of wetlands. Ruddies can be distinguished from other waterfowl by their small size and tail feathers, which they often hold erect above the water.

They prefer to dive in deeper water, feeding on insects, seeds and roots of aquatic plants. A ruddy duck hen has the remarkable ability to lay a clutch of eggs, at the rate of one per day, that can exceed her own body mass! ~ Ducks Unlimited Canada

To see more of our waterfowl images click HERE

To see our newest post in the Signs: Past and Present gallery click HERE

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