Mike Powell

Most of the Ruddy Ducks(Oxyura jamaicensis) that I spotted last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge were gathered together in the deep water, asleep in a group with their heads tucked at an angle. One male, however, was grooming himself near the shore and I managed to capture this fun little portrait when he paddled by me.

The bright white cheek patch of male Ruddy Ducks make them pretty easy to identify. I have never seen the breeding behavior of this species, but I could not help but laugh when I read this description on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website of a 1926 account about the Ruddy Duck that stated, “Its intimate habits, its stupidity, its curious nesting customs and ludicrous courtship performance place it in a niche by itself…. Everything about this bird is interesting to the naturalist, but almost nothing about it is interesting to the sportsman.” I am much more of a naturalist than a sportsman, so I like this little duck.

Happy New Year. It is hard to believe that 2023 is already here. Thanks so much to all of you who have supported and encouraged me throughout this past year. The world is very much a crazy place these days and I very much value the sense of community and camaraderie that I have found in the blogosphere. This blog allows me to express myself more fully, genuinely, and creatively than I am able to do in many aspects of my life, where filters, pressures, and expectations often constrain my freedom of action.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2023.

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