Rare Duck

[Shadowman]

Don't get many chances except at the zoo.

[flashback]

A very rare and elusive dabbling duck, the Wild Duck. What a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

[Mike Buckley]

When I saw your thread title, "Rare Duck," I thought of duck breast that is appropriately cooked. It should be evident to you by now that I don't know anything about ducks other than food preparation.

[Shadowman]

A very rare and elusive dabbling duck, the Wild Duck. What a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Living in the city these were once rare events. It's as if no birds migrate anymore. Near where this was shot, there are warning signs about feeding wild birds as it alters their migration patterns. This winter, which was a cold one saw many ducks starving to death because the lake froze over.

[Shadowman]

When I saw your thread title, "Rare Duck," I thought of duck breast that is appropriately cooked. It should be evident to you by now that I don't know anything about ducks other than food preparation.

I was sort of hoping the title sparked interest, even if it was misleading.

[Plumcrak]

I just had 2 males going after 1 female in my backyard. Before I could get the camera my dog spotted them and off they went. All is OK though as they will be back tomorrow.

[NorthernFocus]

We have both urban ducks and geese that winter over in Anchorage. Completely contrary to their natural tendencies. There is a park where people feed them so even when the water freezes over they are able to make it through the winter. For whatever reason mallards like this one tend to "come in from the wild" more than other species.

[IzzieK]

The only duck like this that I have is the wooden one I use as a deco in my family room...good for you for getting a shot of a real one....

[Kyle]

There is a conservation area near me where people are always feeding the ducks even with plenty of signs saying not to. It has gotten so bad that they swarm you when you try to walk along the path. They didn't migrate this winter either.
It makes me angry when people endanger animals like that. They teach their children that it's okay to do it as well.

All that aside I think you've got a good shot. Almost looks like a painting.

[JR1]

Why is it rare, looks like a duck to me, serious question

[Shadowman]

The only duck like this that I have is the wooden one I use as a deco in my family room...good for you for getting a shot of a real one....

Thanks Isabel.

[Shadowman]

Why is it rare, looks like a duck to me, serious question

Rare for my location. At least within the last ten years or more. I mentioned and another member from Alaska about changing migration patterns, so it is a rare find in my area.

[Shadowman]

There is a conversation area near me where people are always feeding the ducks even with plenty of signs saying not to. It has gotten so bad that they swarm you when you try to walk along the path. They didn't migrate this winter either.
It makes me angry when people endanger animals like that. They teach their children that it's okay to do it as well.

All that aside I think you've got a good shot. Almost looks like a painting.

We have had a few citizens receiving fines for feeding the wildlife but it doesn't seem to deter them.

Thanks for the comments.

[mstrozewski]

Plenty of those here in Utah

[John 2]

Rare for my location. At least within the last ten years or more. I mentioned and another member from Alaska about changing migration patterns, so it is a rare find in my area.

That's because they are all over here John. The Mallard is one of the more common ducks in the UK. Don't know why that should be.

[Bobobird]

Come up to Canada and they will imprison you especially if you have food with you.
This past winter was really really bad for them. The miserable conditions kept people indoors so much less feeding than usual. Hundred found frozen along the shores of Lake Ontario. Some observed with beaks iced shut after dipping into water, etc, etc. Really bad.

But if rare for your area they are good subject especially when the light hits them right.

Nice shot btw.

[Shadowman]

Come up to Canada and they will imprison you especially if you have food with you.
This past winter was really really bad for them. The miserable conditions kept people indoors so much less feeding than usual. Hundred found frozen along the shores of Lake Ontario. Some observed with beaks iced shut after dipping into water, etc, etc. Really bad.

But if rare for your area they are good subject especially when the light hits them right.

Nice shot btw.

Bobobird,

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Conditions were the same here, reports of frozen or starving birds.