A Black Among The Green.
Being “Unique” makes this American black duck drake stand out among a crowd of mallards.
Who doesn’t like the mallard duck? With its beautiful iridescent green head and mahogany breast feathers, a beautiful bird my anyone’s standard. For me though, the American Black Duck, a drake seen above bowing to the camera, is a more attractive bird. Not being a very flashy guy myself, perhaps what draws me more to what most consider a rather drab looking duck, is the subtle beauty of the iridescent green visible only on the sides of the drakes head, compared to the “in your face,” bright green covering the entire head of the much showier mallard. Does anyone really like a show-off?
Often mistaken for a hen mallard, the black duck has darker plumage and while the violet-blue speculum on the mallard’s wing is bordered by white on both sides, the black ducks usually has no, or only one faint white border on the speculum’s leading edge.
Definitely unique.. Stunning shot.. Don’t underestimate the power of drab.. 😉
Thank you! Drab is my middle name, not a thing flashy about me at all. That black duck and I are peas from the same pod 😉
Drab? That duck has many pieces of flare. 🙂 The blue on the wing, and the green on the face, quite beautiful.
Well you have to admit, compared to his present company he’s pretty dull. I think of him as a naturally beautiful woman who doesn’t need any make-up to be the center of attention, standing among a group of women who spent hours in front of a mirror caking on the lipstick and eye shadow.
Wow! Those colors are stunning!
Thanks, but I really can’t take any of the credit, it’s all the ducks.
Beautiful….and I can’t wait to get my NH calendar! 🙂
This is very interesting info Jeff, and it reminded me of a photo I took in Autumn…. He really stands out in this crowd…
just unique
Thanks for the duck lesson (-:
You’re welcome Rick!