Tag Archives: wild duck

Trio of mallards

Two drake mallards and hen feeding on the Rideau River.

Photographed and posted by Geoffrey

Mallards

Pair of mallards feeding on the Rideau River at late afternoon.

Photographed and posted by Geoffrey

Hen goldeneye

Hen goldeneye photographed on the Rideau River during daily run with Hera.

Photographed and posted by Geoffrey

Drake goldeneye preening.IMG_0530

Drake goldeneye preening his feathers. Viewed and photographed during a morning run with Hera.

Photographed and posted by Geoffrey

Drake mallard in breeding plumage.

Drake mallard getting ready for the spring nesting season 2013. He found his mate in the wintering grounds and followed her north to the marsh where she was hatched. This process ensures the gene pool is spread across the northern breeding grounds. He is not a particularly devoted husband and father. When his mate finishes laying her eggs and begins incubation, he happily takes his leave.

Photographed and posted by Geoffrey

Hen mallard in breeding plumage.

Hen mallard getting ready for the spring nesting season 2013. She will need lots of protein to get ready for egg laying, feeding on invertebrates that fill the ponds and puddles formed from melting snow.

Photographed and posted by Geoffrey