Hiding in plain sight, the American Black Duck
At first glance this is a female mallard, right? Wrong. It's an American Black Duck. The main clue, at least for me, is that the secondaries (speculum) are iridescent purple without white borders. I knew Black Ducks were out there but this is only the second one I've photographed. Apparently when they are with mallards they "hide in plain sight." So, for me, on Christmas, this is my surprise present to have found one.
Taken 25 December 2016 at Buddy Attick Park in Maryland.
Hiding in plain sight, the American Black Duck
At first glance this is a female mallard, right? Wrong. It's an American Black Duck. The main clue, at least for me, is that the secondaries (speculum) are iridescent purple without white borders. I knew Black Ducks were out there but this is only the second one I've photographed. Apparently when they are with mallards they "hide in plain sight." So, for me, on Christmas, this is my surprise present to have found one.
Taken 25 December 2016 at Buddy Attick Park in Maryland.