Canvasback duck

Description:

Large duck. Entire back is white. Dark head and red eyes. Swimming alone, or in the company of a group of mallard ducks seen daily on this landscape feature pond.

Habitat:

Water feature in planned landscape of suburban housing subdivision in Madison, Alabama. Fresh water, surrounded by mowed lawns on one side and a wooded area on the other. Fed by a natural steam.

Notes:

I walk around this pond several times a week, and have never seen this duck until today. Very distinct. This area is only a few miles from Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.