Gadwall

Some Gadwall images taken at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden back on February 11th.

Gadwall

When I started birding last March I saw a lot of ducks, but I didn't see any Gadwalls until into May. They are supposed to be year round residents here, so it may be that I just missed them since they are not as flashy as other ducks during mating season. I'll have to keep an eye out as Spring approaches to see if they disappear for a while.
The male Gadwalls above are in breeding plumage now. Their heads are browner than when I first saw them last Spring and this past Summer. These were preening so they are showing off some of the coloring of their upper wings. The reddish patch offset with the black and white on their wings are very attractive features.

Gadwall

I came across a male and female Gadwall swimming in a small pond at TRNWR. These are new ducks for me. I haven't seen them before although the male is rather drab compared to most ducks so I may have missed it among the flashier species. They do have interesting patterns in their feathers however.