April 15, 2023

I am a male Mottled Duck

If I was a girl my beak would be black

I am a dabbler, I rarely dive

Unless a predator tries to attack.

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWR

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mottled_Duck/id

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 7, 2022

I am known as a Mottled Duck

I have a shorter life span than you would think

I live for an average of about 2 years cause

I'm predated by everything from Falcons to Mink.

Location: C 23/24 Reservoir, St. Lucie County

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Anas_fulvigula/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 10, 2019

Location: Island View Cottages, Sebastian

I am known as a Mottled Duck
My species is in peril because of the Mallards
We are closely related and can mate
Leaving only hybrids is the hazard.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Mottled Duck

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson