First Ruddy Duck this Year!
As I approached the pond , there were two photographers shooting away at something. Slowing down so I would not disturb them or their subject, I waited and watched for what they were focusing on. Oh yay, it was a Ruddy Duck! Aimed my lens and took a couple of shots-oh no, things in the way. Aim again. Better!
Checking the results later, the first couple were out of focus. My heart dropped. Then there were some more that were in focus. It sure gives me a lift to spot and capture the first images of this duck every year. Some of you may remember this was the duck that got me hooked on birding and I regularly went out with a friend, now passed, searching for our first look every spring.
He is a small duck but more than makes up for it with his machismo. When he got close to the Coot, his tail rose and he sputtered, which shook his whole body. At this pond there seems to be no mate but maybe she is nesting out of sight.
Shot in the late afternoon with a hand held camera.With so many patterns it is easy for the camera to go out of focus.
My Heartsong 
I did not know Daffy was a Ruddy Duck. They are such cute ducks, I love their blue beak. You have to give Mother Nature credit, one cool duck.
May 28, 2014 at 8:26 pm
I should have looked that up before. i had heard that, because of the sputtering. It could be after the swedish duck but that too, is conjecture.I agree, Mother Nature has a sense of style.
May 28, 2014 at 10:18 pm
What a beauty he is!
May 29, 2014 at 5:00 am
You can see why I got hooked on birding after seeing this fellow!
May 29, 2014 at 12:02 pm
Lovely photos. There are so many colors in them and gorgeous reflections.
May 30, 2014 at 3:21 am
The reflected light was very bright so I had to bring down the exposure to get the best likeness. Thanks for your comments.
May 30, 2014 at 6:31 am