Female Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Female Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

The green head and yellow bill of the male mallard duck is a familiar sight for many people in the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. But like most bird species the female bird have less striking colours that help protected it during egg laying. This wild duck is the ancestor of most domestic ducks.

The mallard feed on plants and small animals in the shallow parts of ponds, marshes, lakes, and rivers. And in parks and other populated areas it has managed to domesticate itself, relying on handouts from people instead of catching food on its own.

Length 50–65 cm (20–26 in)
Wingspan 81–98 cm (32–39 in)

This Mallard is filmed in the south-eastern part of Norway in a small pond close to a heavy trafficked road.

At the time of filming the Mallards had not started on egg laying or nest building.

I took my time while filming and enjoyed every minute of it even though I did not spot any rare birds this time. Weather was sunny with a some wind coming in from the south towards me. I brought with me a thermos with coffee and my binocular and spotting scope. I also got a new tripod this time and this made a big difference as my old tripod was both shorter and somewhat shaky.

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-Duffy

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[stopthepress]

Hello Po Duffy...two shots stood out for me...the close up of her bill tucked under her upper wing and the interesting view of her feet...do you post to Twitter for others to enjoy? Cheers !~!