Many of the mallards and Canada Geese were resting on the ice on the mostly frozen little pond near where I live, but the Ring-necked ducks all remained in the water the entire time that I watched them. How are the able to tolerated the frigid waters that must be just above the freezing point?
Whenever I moved toward the shore of the pond, the Ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris) would all turn their backs on me and swim away, which complicated my efforts at taking photos of them. However, the edge of the ice limited somewhat their ability to distance themselves from me and I was able to capture some images of them, including this one of a male Ring-necked duck.
As is most often the case, you can’t see the chestnut-colored ring around the bird’s neck—I probably would have named it the Ring-billed duck and occasionally make the mistake of using that improper, but more logical name for this beautiful little duck.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
I know they are designed to handle the cold but it’s hard to look at.
What a cute little duck! Never seen one of those before 🙂
Score one for the ice working in your favour!
I think the water is probably warmer than the air right now.
What a beautiful duck!
The viewer can actually feel the cold and see the thickness of the water!
Lovely shot!
I often wonder how the ducks and swans here stand the freezing water.