This Mottled Duck in flight offered me a flyby as I was walking back to my car after a day of exploring and photographing in Viera Wetlands. The sky was growing very dark and rain was moving in, so I assumed photography was over for the day. I was sure it was a Female Mallard until I processed the image, but the markings just didn’t fit the bird book description of a Mallard. The speculum has no white margins, and the bill is the wrong color. This is a Male Mottled Duck in flight. They are Florida permanent residents and this one gave me a surprise opportunity!