The Mallard is one of the most recognizable and familiar ducks in the world. Mallards can live almost anywhere there is shallow water.  This Mama Mallard has eight downy babies to keep up with.  They nest on dry ground, sometimes up to a mile from the water.  The Female Mallard leads her young to the water about 12 hours after they hatch. That’s a lot of babies and responsibility for Mama Mallard!

This Male Mallard is very common but look at that bright green head. It’s coloring is like a color wheel with the green, yellow and orange hues all on one bird (ok it’s a duck)