Mallard is the most commonest duck and therefore often not observed that closely especially when there is plenty of other avian species to watch. After my encounter with the Mute Swans at Stoke Lake, with little else happening, I decided to stop at the picnic bench and partake of a little snack. Well with a sandwich in one hand and the camera close to hand it didn't take long before the local inhabitants crossed the water to check out if I had any 'handouts'. At this time of year the Mallards are in their 'eclipse' plumage and whilst it might not be that colourful I decided to take a few snaps.
A bit of preening to keep the feathers in good order.
Searching for the odd morsel that may have been missed by his friends.
And finally a couple of portraits.
The only other sightings as another band of rain drifted through were 2 Great Crested Grebes, Coot, Moorhen, Carrion Crow and a brief visit by 2 Black-headed Gulls. FAB 
They are beautiful birds - but unfortunately out here an introduced species that is spreading and also interbreeds with some of the native ducks.
ReplyDeleteOh these were great captures of these mallards..that first one of him preening..he must be a young one to bend like that..ha ha..how I wish I was that flexible!! The coloring in your photos is wonderful..and did you share just a little of your lunch bread?? Nice post!!
ReplyDeleteGreat set of Images Frank,love the close up in your last shot.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
The preening shot is great; the colors, the textures, the shapes. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteWe sometimes forget that what is familiar and abundant...may not be for everyone. I like the photos.
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Excellent shots Frank...nice little series. I love Mallard Ducks...they are such a loving duck. At least I think so :)
ReplyDeleteYour right Frank, we don't take much notice of the Mallard normally. They do make a nice image though especially if you can get one flying in the right light (Iconic)
ReplyDeleteI hope you shared your sandwich Frank, after they posed so well for you. Cracking shots mate.
ReplyDeleteI love that preening shot Frank. Great shots of Mallards. For some reason I've never got a decent shot of one. I'll have to make that a mission! (-:
ReplyDeleteHi Frank,
ReplyDeleteYou're right as many other common birds, they are not very often observed and that is a pity! Your pictures are just showing us that even the most common animal is beautiful, whatever we think. Well done, I love the portrait!
An easily 'Oh it's Mallards again' overlooked species Frank! and well worth a post to themselves. Why should familiarity breed contempt!
ReplyDeleteYou have some lovely captures here, they posed nicely for you ;) It will be great to see them in full colourful plumage again soon.
I like the one of him preening himself Frank and your post on the swan and dragonflies. Here our summer is just starting so hopefully I will be able to get out soon and take some pictures.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting caught up - I love the mallard. If it were not so common, the sight of a drake would take our breath away. The Mute Swan is also handsome and beautiful, but in the States it is an exotic, and fast becoming a problem for native species, so I have mixed feelings about it.
ReplyDeleteHi mick, Tina, JRandSue, Wilma, Carol, Crista, Roy, Keith, Jenny, Chris, Jan, Joan & Chris P.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your comments and for those that asked, YES a few crumbs were shared.
Have a good week everyone. FAB
Really nice mallard photos! Common or not, they are enjoyable to see.
ReplyDeleteJann. Cheers but if there had been something more interesting around I might have ignored them....then again perhaps not. FAB
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