Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Mallard female preening...

We saw one pair of Mallards at the wetlands. While the male kept guard, she decided to do a bit of preening and cleaning.
I think it was a little like a "fan dance".




I loved getting to see her pretty blue wing patch so nicely.

The finale
Flutter, flutter, flutter
(applause)
Happy duck :-)

There used to be 7 "manky" ducks.....domestic/wild mixes on the front pond. Now there is just this one lone beautiful greenish/black one. I feel sorry for it. It seems lonely and swims around quacking to itself or at anyone who visits. I hope it finds some companions again.

15 comments:

Roy said...

Well she needs to look her best at this time Mary.

grammie g said...

Hi Mary...Oh my goodness..are those Mallard ever adorable and funny...great photos...I always love the bottoms up ones!!
The poor lonely duck, its colors are so is prttey!!

Ruth Hiebert said...

You capture great action shots here.Yes,this lady needs to look her best to keep him interested.

Don Wood said...

AHHHHH how adorable I love Mallards such petty birds. The ugly duck sure is UGLY. XXX Don

Janice K said...

Really nice series of pictures. That last duck is like none I have ever seen before.

Judy said...

I love the series of the mallard preening! She does have to look her best in the spring, before she becomes a worn out mom!
I love the colour of the last duck. I wonder why he is shunned by the others...

Shelley said...

She's definitely a fashionable mallard who wants to look her best! cute photos!

Anonymous said...

I miss mallards and other ducks so much!! Can't wait until winter is over. For now - thanks for showing us these adorable creatures - they're so fun!

Katney said...

You captured her whoe "toilette"!

Kerri Farley said...

She's so lovely! Maybe getting ready to go out on a date :)
You captured her beautifully!

Becky said...

Gorgeous shots Mary. So clear! She really put on a show.
That manky duck is beautiful.
B.

DorkyDeb said...

These are beautiful !
I love to watch them too.
As far as the "manky" I think the mallards aren't very accepting of them. The one we have had off and on here, is frequently shunned by the others. It's kinda sad. :(

Rose said...

Believe it or not, Sarah had a pair of mallards the past few days...actually out what would be the alley. But they did come up to her house a couple times to scrounge around under her feeders.

FAB said...

Lovely series portraying the daily wash and brush up.

sandy said...

I'm loving the clarity of your pics! Great shots.