Wednesday, December 3, 2025

2025 Ducks - Part 3

While going through my photo backlog from this last year, I came across a trove of more duck pics. 

These were the first Canvasbacks I've ever seen up close. The male and female pair were very obliging as they hung out in the Hudson off Riverside Park. 

Male and female Canvasback ducks.

The male's bright red eye is really striking.

Canvasback ducks.

The female is a bit less flashy, but still cool looking.

Female Canvasback.

Female Canvasback.

I'd say Wood Ducks are our most spectacular native duck species. They're easily found in Central and Prospect Parks.

Male Wood Duck.

The male (above) gets a lot of attention for his colors, but I really like the more subtle beauty of the females. 

Female Wood Duck.

This female not-so-common Common Merganser was spotted in Prospect Park. They are not exactly rare, but it was special to see her in the park lake. I normally see them offshore.

Female Common Merganser.

Female Common Merganser.

Female Common Merganser.

Coney Island is my favorite place to see Long-Tailed Ducks
 
This is a female: 

Female Long-Tailed Duck.

Female Long-Tailed Duck.

Here is the male with his long tail:

Male Long-Tailed Duck.

Male Long-Tailed Duck.

It's easy to overlook Mallards because they're everywhere, but come on, look at that gorgeous emerald head on the male!

Male Mallard.

Females might look dull in comparison, but...

Female Mallard.

I watched this one hop out of the water and put on a show as she preened.

Female Mallard.

Her blue patches and brown color pattern resembled a kaleidoscope as she twisted around.

Female Mallard.

Female Mallard.

I wish I was this flexible...

Female Mallard.

The symmetry of her feathers is so pleasing. This was probably my favorite shot of the day.

Female Mallard.

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