Tender Duck
These ducks were grooming each other and to all the world appeared tender. But their secret is safe with me. I won't tell any Chinese restaurants. :)
I'm not above admitting that I stalked this bird in the Japanese garden at the San Diego Zoo. But as I was shooting with my little (but beloved) 300mm lens, some guy walked up, stood right next to me, and started firing away. When I looked, he had a camouflaged, Canon 500mm (or bigger) lens with some gadget on the end to gather light. Now that is a serious investment. They cost thousands. I couldn't help thinking, oh sure some big shot photographer here taking photos at the San Diego Zoo. Hmphh! OK. Could be a little lens envy there. :)
Distinguishing Marks: Male has the bi-colored bill and amazing color combination, while the female has the teardrop shaped white spot surrounding her eye.
Click to enlarge.
Boring Fact: The birds' mottled (not to say motley) appearance is caused by molting . All birds molt: some once a year some more often. Not only does it make them less attractive, it can make it hard for them to fly.
Bonus Boring Fact: I've seen these birds roost way, way up in trees near rivers in the northwest. Hence the name.
