A central pond, installed for the golf course, provides a layover for various waterfowl, including the Mallard. Easily the most recognizable and common duck in Pennsylvania, Mallards might be under appreciated by some, but not by me. The breeding male mallard is simply stunning to behold with him iridescent green head (which can appear purple under certain light conditions) and bright yellow bill. Too, he wears a tidy white collar that contrasts beautifully with his chocolate breast—a very dapper dabbler!
The female, though not so showy, is also quite beautiful under closer inspection, her plumage a weave of buff, browns, and cream—a lovely tapestry of color. Too often, the female is dismissed with descriptions of “mottled brown” or “drab,” descriptions to which I take offense! Consider the beautiful iridescent blue speculum patch, trimmed in white, within the secondary wing feathers (also an ornament of the male).
So . . . next time you see mallards on a pond or lake, show them some respect. Take a longer look. I wasn’t lucky enough to capture photos displaying their glory. Perhaps they weren’t in the mood to pose that day. More likely I was too distracted with Rosie and Henry, per usual. Whatever the case . . . there’s always tomorrow.
Finally, if you love birds and want to read a middle-grade trilogy about a adolescent girl with a mystical tie to birds, then check out my web site:
Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!
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