Mallard duckling

Description:

Spotted as part of a group of seven with mother. Droplets on the plumage show how well the feathers are working as a water repellent. Second shot shows that the duckling has already perfected the art of dabbling. Third shot shows female with one of the siblings.

Habitat:

Wetlands. Temperate and subtropical Americas, Europe, Asia, and North Africa; introduced to New Zealand and Australia.

Notes:

These ducks were spotted on a pond 1300m high. Mallards are found up to an altitude of 2000m.