The second post in my 3-part series on “Waterfowl in Winter” features two species of dabbling ducks: Mallards and Black Ducks. Unlike the diving mergansers in my last post, dabbling ducks splash around near the surface of the water, often turning upside down, as they forage on aquatic vegetation.
Mallards feeding in a snowstorm
Mallards, hen and drake
Mute Swan guarding open water; mallard hen
Black Duck
Mute Swan and Black Ducks
Mallard hen
Photos by NB Hunter. © All Rights Reserved.
Nick's Nature Pics 
This one needs a love button! Thank you for the great bird pics, Happy Holidays
Thanks for the thoughtful and complimentary feedback Laurin. Made my day! Happy Holidays to you and your family.
What happy seasonal photographs. Who says winter is not a fun time? Just ask the ducks! Quack!
Brrr, it looks cold, and there they are so well insulated with their down and feathers. I like the way waterfowl always appear so well coiffed.
My thoughts exactly. When watching these guys in winter (I’m all bundled up and still cold), I often think about – and envy – their adaptations; what’s it like to swim, dive and bob around in ice water when the air temp/wind chill is 30 or 40 degrees F below freezing, and feel no discomfort?!!! I had similar thoughts last winter when watching snowy owls perching on fully exposed telephone poles during brutal conditions in the dead of winter. Amazing. Appreciate the visit Liz.