I spotted this drake mallard
while we were walking back from a Sunday afternoon stroll this
weekend. For many people in the UK mallards will be the most
recognizable duck they know. This is due in part to them being the
commonest duck in the UK and one that can be found throughout the
country at all times of the year.
What caught my eye initially
about this mallard was the fact that he was very happy to be sat on a
high wall. The location of this wall was nowhere near any water
source but divided a small municipal garden and a supermarket car
park. It is through this type of adaptability that has allowed them
to thrive. This particular spot had obviously been chosen by the
mallard for one purpose – being nosey! Any movement be it man,
machine or other bird necessitated a stretch of the neck and a look
around.
Another thing that was
noticeable about this scene was the lack of any quacking. Nowhere in
sight was any female mallards. Perhaps he was just trying to get a
few moments peace! Drake mallards though are known for their liking
of the ladies even if they are of another species. In fact their
pursuit of females at times could be described as bullying and
vicious.
I was able get right up
close to the mallard. From the photograph you can see he seemed quite
aloof. In the grey of a day filled with rain his green feathered
head didn't have its usual iridescent qualities. Apart from its head
the other feature a mallard is known for it is its speculum. Most are
more of a bright blue colour but this one is most definitely purple.
Most people probably
wouldn't give a mallard a second glance but if you have the chance
take some time to watch their behaviour; you may just be a little
surprised.
Wild Bird Wednesday |
He does look very serene and like you say, a bit nosey!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up this lovely duck to #AnimalTales
Cute shot of the Mallard.. It has a bird's eye view on everything.. Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteMallards can be very pretty birds, a much under rated duck :)
ReplyDeleteResting...perhaps you are right, he needed some alone time! Great photo!
ReplyDeleteYes I agree, Mallards are always worth watching.
ReplyDeletesuch lovely colours
ReplyDeleteI never tire of mallards. They're so pretty. What a beautiful part of the country you live in. Thanks for stopping in at my post on Durham Cathedral.
ReplyDeleteThey are a cracking looking bird - I wonder how far people would travel to see them if they were rare?
ReplyDeleteWe have them here as an introduced species.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
a nice place for him to be :)
ReplyDeleteGreat photo, maybe he was feeling a bit snooty and fancied looking down on everyone?!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Point + Shoot xx