המועדפים של dmort

White Rock lake, rushes along banks of Winfrey Point
This was the first time I saw the American black duck. I'd heard the news, it was such a rare occurrence that birders were coming here from all over the country to see it. I was walking along the shore hoping to spot it when I accidentily flushed her & her mallard mate out into open water. Wow, she was so dark, all over. With her blue speculum that had no white at all.
Now that she was out in the water, she decided to have a bath with lots of splashing. She had a mate with her, a mallard. Any offspring will be hybrids.

After she was done bathing, she rotated her head rapidly, flinging the water drops off. This species breeds in Canada and winters on the east coast. Texas is not even on a migration path so they are not supposed to be in this state, ever. No wonder everyone was showing up to see her.
After she shook the water off, she moved into preening mode. She didn't seem to mind me as long as I kept my distance.

She was very particular about where each feather went. Once one side was done, she started in on the other side.
As she turned while preening, I could see that she was dark everywhere. So different from female mallards. She showed the blue speculum often which is good. That is one of the main things that needs to be photographed to confirm the id.

Finishing off the bath with a wing clap. And showing off those beautiful blue feathers outlined in black. I could not have asked for a better photo opportunity with this rare duck.
She & her mate left the area shortly after this.