A lovely shot, Gloria, but they are not Mallards. This is a pair of Gadwalls, ( at least that's the common name over this side of the pond.) The male has the black bill. Anas strepera is the scientific name.
@markp Thank you for the feedback. Gadwells are not on the list of waterbirds that I have seen at Green Lake. However, I see the differences between female gadwells and female mallards are the blue feathers hidden under the female mallards' wing feathers.
@seattlite Just had a quick look online at their distribution. It looks like they are far more likely to be seen as winter visitors, than during the breeding season.
With practise, you can spot the differences between the females of the two different species, fairly easily.
Having said that, I’ve had years and years of practice. 🙂
With practise, you can spot the differences between the females of the two different species, fairly easily.
Having said that, I’ve had years and years of practice. 🙂
Ian
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