This duck is an American wigeon and was with his presumed mate (below) on the same pond where I found the mallards in the previous post. I’m not sure whether they were the third pair I had seen earlier; when I took this pic and that of the female, I was on my way back past the pond after visiting with a band nearby. I didn’t quite realize they were different ducks (not mallards) until I saw the pix on the computer!
This is the female.
They’re both very handsome ducks, aren’t they? 🙂
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
TJ if you are able listen, look up the American Widgeon’s call… It’s like a dogs squeaky toy, seriously. I hear them long before I see them, especially a flock.,,, usually in water.
A fun bird to have around…
Karel
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Ha! Yes, that sounds like what I heard. If the wigeon pair were with the mallards, I didn’t realize it when I was first at the pond and saw/photographed the mallards. But it might explain why, when the third pair didn’t go/fly with them. I have a lot to learn about birds! 🙂 The pix online show really gorgeous feathers on these ducks – the “breeding male” has a stunning flash of green behind his eyes! And I learned that their nickname is “baldpate,” which just tickles me endlessly! 🙂
Those ponds are certainly “grand central” for ducks out there! These Ametican wigion are really interesting, TJ. Thanks for your photos!
A year or so ago, I saw a different kind of bird/duck … a coot, I think? The pond where I saw that one (and just one, not a pair) is dry this winter/spring. I’m always just amazed that we have ducks here ever! 🙂 Very thankful!
Great looking ducks!
Aren’t they beautiful? I’m glad I stopped to see what else might on the pond on my way back past it! 🙂