These ducks, if you're not really paying attention while out searching for waterfowl, can often be overlooked because of similarities to the mallard. But they're striking black backside and beautiful bronze wing feathers [female] are some features to let you know you're looking at a Gadwall Duck. The male has solid black [or very dark] bills while the female differs a bit with a solid, thin orange outer border on their bills. While walking along the boardwalk at Hans Suter Nature Reserve last week, this couple was feeding quietly by themselves...then all of a sudden...the female decided to take a bath. What a ruckus she created. Afterwards, all the water spewing up from her pretty self...she settled down for an afternoon siesta...
GADWALL DUCK
Photos Taken: Hans Suter Nature Walk - Corpus Christi, Texas
Habitat Range: Gadwall Duck
TRIVIA:
Female Gadwall produce an egg a day while they are laying their 7–12-egg clutches.
Gadwall ducks are commonly referred to being the 'pirate ducks'...'cause often known to steal food from American Coots and from other ducks.
I WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH EVERYONE WHO STOPS BY --From Our Home in Texas USA...to your home... May your holiday be happy, healthy, and filled with joys of the season!!! Merry Christmas to those who observe.
I WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH EVERYONE WHO STOPS BY --From Our Home in Texas USA...to your home... May your holiday be happy, healthy, and filled with joys of the season!!! Merry Christmas to those who observe.
...now share your birding experiences:
The Gadwall is a subtle beauty. Thanks for the good wishes and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteLove all that splashing. That's one happy duck!
ReplyDeleteAnni, great series on the Gadwall. Lovely photos. Have a happy weekend and thank you for hosting.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family!
Beautiful! I love the waterdrops flying around. Merry Christmas, Anni!
ReplyDeleteI love all the action shots you captured, Anni.
ReplyDeleteThanks for following my blog.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year :)
i think gadwalls are very handsome, too. :) thanks for hosting, anni.
ReplyDeleteI agree that gadwalls are good-looking ducks!
ReplyDeleteHappy Quackers. MB
ReplyDeleteNice mosaic of the ducks. Loved seeing all that splashing water.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen this duck, but I'll be watching the mallards more closely from now on. Love the pics of them in action. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Anni!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSuper shots- I love all that splashing around. Have a Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletethe female has a lot of fun. :) Love these shots.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting and wishing you a Merry Christmas!