As I was observing some mallard ducks paddling around the shallow waters of a former beaver pond yesterday, I noticed one much smaller duck in their midst that looked out of place—it was a male Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca). The little duck was acting just like the mallards, foraging for food in the water and occasionally on land as well. Had the Green-winged Teal been adopted by this group of mallards or was he merely lost and separated from his own group?
I couldn’t help but notice that most of the mallards were paired off, but the Green-winged Teal seemed to be all alone. He’s going to have to act quickly if he wants to find a sweetheart before Valentine’s Day later this week.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
That’s one colourful head.
Oh wow Michael, this is gorgous ! Lucky you for finding him.
Thanks. Usually when I see them, they are quite a distance away and they fly away as soon as they sense my presence. I wasn’t super close to this little guy, but close enough to get a decent shot.
Don’t you just hate that. “Hey..Don’t fly away..I just want to take your picture.”
He’s a good lucking duck.
That’s a curious name for a bird with gray wings and green on its head! Beautiful.
Lucky you, Mike. My photos of Green-Winged Teals were all taken from a great distance and were heavily cropped. You have a pretty duck there. Good for you!!
Thanks. Most of the time I too see them at a great distance too. This one gradually paddled to the back of the pond, but remained in range long enough for me to get some shots.