Unlike most ducks, the ruddy duck maleâs plumage is most colorful in the summer. In the winter, the ruddy duck male turns a dusky brown and his blue bill becomes dull gray.(Dick Daniels/carolinabirds.org)
Out on the lake, a male mallard drifted by in the early autumn sunshine. Farther out, a small duck bobbed its head slightly in the still waters.
The distant duck appeared to be quite small but judging size can be tricky at a distance. Its rigid black tail was cocked straight up, just like a wren. A moment later it disappeared below the surface. It had to be a ruddy duck.