For the last ten days or so I’ve been playing cat and mouse games with Ruddy Ducks at a pond I frequent. And losing.
They’re the shyest ducks on the pond so they stay out in the middle where they’re much too far away for quality photos. I keep visiting the pond in hopes of catching one of them in a weak moment where it came in closer to the shore than usual, but they’ve been nothing if they haven’t been consistent in their shyness.
Until late yesterday afternoon when three of the four of them, all females or juveniles (I have difficulty with that distinction), let their guard down momentarily and came in closer than usual. Not as close as I’d prefer, but closer.
This one came in closer than any of the others but just for a few moments.
At one point, three of them swam by in single file in front of me but in this shot I could only get two of them in frame. Here we can only see the wake of the lead Ruddy, which was out of frame to the left.
These two Ruddys in the rear were gaining on the lead Ruddy so all I could do was hope they’d close the gap in time so I could get all three of them in frame before they disappeared behind vegetation in front of me.
Eventually I succeeded. A small victory for the photographer but still a victory.
There were actually four Ruddys on the pond, including this adult male, but he was shyer than the others so he never came in quite close enough to suit me. At least being as far away as he was gave me a low shooting angle. I adore the unique blue bill of the adult male in breeding plumage. Over time his bill will get even bluer.
I intend to keep trying to get closer to these Ruddys but it’s probably a long shot, literally and figuratively. I’ve always found Ruddy Ducks to be amongst the shyest of all ducks.
Ron
Your tenacity amazes me! 🙂
I don’t think I’ve seen one of these. I was surprised by their appearance. From their name (‘Ruddy’) I would have expected more or brighter red. No matter. These are so attractive and the setting shows them off to especially good effect.
The polite word for ‘stubborn’ is ‘persistent.’ It’s a virtue!
These photos are beautiful, magical is a word I would use. The birds the shimmering golden water, you took breathtaking photos.
Happy New Year,
Kaye
My first go-around saying, “Drake Ruddy Duck!” 3 times fast of 2025! Took me a few tries, admittedly.
Your patience was definitely rewarded. These are delightful shots, especially with the warm late afternoon (or “prevening” as Sheldon Cooper would say) light. That drake is going to be quite the looker once he’s in full plumage!
That triplet was easy for me, Marty. I really struggle with most of them.
My father only used ruddy as a euphemism for bloody (and we don’t have ruddy ducks) so my mind went to completely the wrong place when I saw your title.
They are beautiful birds – and I love the light on the water too.
As an aside, your post showed up in my reading list this morning, a rare treat. Still no email though.
EC, I wish I knew what was going on with WordPress (presumably) but I just don’t. And haven’t been able to find out. Thanks for keeping me informed.
I like your photos. Love the blueish bill on the male with a bit of red in his wing. I would consider that a great catch!
Thank you, Linda.
I’m more familiar with the term “ruddy complexion” than with the ducks, so appreciate seeing them here. And while I’m glad the “girls” came in close enough for a decent look at their subtleties, I’m very impressed with the handsome male with his blue bill and that very ruddy patch of wing. Beautiful water colors, too!
Chris, I’ll admit that when it comes to Ruddy’s I’m partial to the more colorful males.
I think all of these photos are beautiful, especially with the color of the water due to the setting sun. Ruddys are not a duck I’m familiar with, but now I’ll keep an eye out for any on our neighborhood pond. As always, thanks for sharing your wonderful photos as well as the bits of bird information I really look forward to.
Much appreciated, Bill. Ruddys are both small and shy so they can be hard to spot. That blue bill of the male helps though.
Great pix. Ruddy ducks look very similar to ring neck ducks, same shape, different plumage. Ring necks visit Roosevelt Lake in Edison, New Jersey, in winter, and never come close to shore.
Thanks, Robert. This same pond sometimes has Ring-necks this time of year but so far I haven’t seen any.
Your photos of these Ruddy Ducks are beautiful. The water looks like liquid gold. As often happens, your patience and expertise have paid off.
“The water looks like liquid gold.”
Thanks to the approaching sunset, Melanie. I should shoot in the evening more often.
Besides the ducks, I really enjoyed the colors of the water. 😊
Thanks, Laurie. Those colors are due to reflections from the sunset as it progressed.
A man with a mission. I have no doubt your persistence will pay off, and when it does all of us will delight in you sharing the prize.
You’re more confident than I am, Michael. I hope you’re right.
Unusual ducks! I’ve never seen one. Glad you had some success with these! 🙂
Magpies can get through chainlink fence if motivated – another challenge with feeding the finches…. 😉
“I’ve never seen one.”
Judy, Ruddys are found in most of Montana in summer but their range map shows an ellipse in your area where they’re not found at any time of year. Luck of the draw I guess…
In shot #1, the duck is clearly keeping a beady EYE on you…..
what a challenge to the photographer…..but they’ll learn how tenacious you are! I know you’ll keep us posted– I’m looking forward to you displaying more Ruddy duck ‘captures’ in the future …..
“I’m looking forward to you displaying more Ruddy duck ‘captures’ in the future.”
I hope it happens, Kris. The chances of closeup Ruddy photos are probably slim but as you allude to, I’m stubborn…