I photographed these Ruddy Ducks at White Rock Lake. A male and female where busy diving for food near the dam, while a larger congregation was visible a little further out on the lake.

Ruddy Ducks are small ducks with a distinctive long, stiff-feathered tail. The male will develop a bright pastel blue bill during the breeding season. The ruddies in these pictures are still in their winter plumage.

A male Ruddy Duck
A male Ruddy Duck
A female Ruddy Duck
A female Ruddy Duck
The long tail is visible in this photograph.
The long tail is visible in this photograph.
Here's what it looks like when a ruddy dives.
Here’s what it looks like when a ruddy dives.
Part of the larger congregation in the middle of the lake.
Part of the larger congregation in the middle of the lake.
Diving ducks like ruddies have to build up speed by running on the surface of the water before they are able to take to the air.
Diving ducks like ruddies have to build up speed by running on the surface of the water before they are able to take to the air.
Almost airborne.
Almost airborne.
There they go!
There they go!
A male ruddy voalizing.
A male ruddy vocalizing.
A handsome male.
A handsome male.
Preening.
Preening.

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