One of the most enjoyable things in life is going outdoors and experiencing all the beauty our world has to offer. From spectacular splashes of colors of blooming flowers in spring, to hiking your favorite local trails to admire the changing of the leaves in fall. All of these little things we experience have their own unique beauty. However, ever since I was young, one thing has captured my attention more than anything else. Birds. Everything about the avian world captivates me. Their beautiful feathers, the way they can cut through the sky effortlessly, and how beautiful the wind carries their voices in the morning. And to me, one of the most mesmerizing things to see when I am out near water, is the show stopping looks of a duck.
When most people think of ducks, the first image that usually pops up in their head is a little yellow duckling wattling around after their mother or of the very common domesticated duck with simple white feathers. However, when I think about them, I envision the bright and bold colors they can have and the amazing patterns some ducks possess. Today, I wanted to take a little bit of time to talk about some of my favorite ducks to see.
For starters, most ducks are classified into various types that fit their feeding or movement characteristics. The term used to describe them mostly reflects their feeding habits. To note, not all ducks fall into these subcategories and instead have their own group of classifications, but today, I won’t get into that much. I’ll be talking about 2 of the most common types of ducks you will likely see on your travels.
Next, let’s dive into a different subcategory of ducks, the diving ducks. I’m sure you see the pattern here; these ducks are put in this group because they dive to feed. They are a bit more upright and slenderer than the dabbling ducks but still share the same lifestyle. They dive, fully submerged underwater, to feed on aquatic plants and animals and swim effortlessly. Some species in this group are even seagoing and will eat mollusks and crustaceans. The first one I’d like to mention is the Ring-Necked duck. These ducks I found entertaining as they reminded me of someone trying to impress the ladies with a bad toupee. But among their non-flashy black and white feathers is a bold yellow-orange eye. The way it pops on the basic colors truly was a sight to see. Another unusual, but beautiful duck is the Bufflehead duck. This one has the iridescent feathers I tend to like, but it has the most oddly placed white patch on the bad. It’s almost like someone forgot to finish coloring in a drawing. Even without a full head of shining feathers, it is still amazing to see in person.
The last duck I want to mention is a special one. It is not native to the United States but is found in captivity. Though some sightings have been reported of ducks being seen in the wild, these have likely been released or fled from their captivity. These ducks are often described as THE most beautiful duck in the world and originate in East Asia. This would be the Mandarin duck. You will likely see these at places such as zoos, or big park attractions in cities with water features. People buy this duck to put on a show, and they definitely bring it. I first saw this duck in the Swan Lake at the Cincinnati Zoo here in Ohio. And let me tell you firsthand, pictures and books are not enough to describe the jaw dropping beauty these ducks possess. Their coloration, their personality, and their grace are truly amazing. I hope everyone has a chance to see these birds in person one day to see what all the fuss is about. I encourage you to take some time and take a break on your next trip out by water and see what kind of ducks you can spot. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
