Mallard Hen Preening on the Neuse River

by Bob Decker

Title

Mallard Hen Preening on the Neuse River

Artist

Bob Decker

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

A Mallard hen preens her feathers while standing in shallow water in the Neuse River near New Bern, North Carolina. Perhaps she has an itch. Maybe she's adjusting her feathers to make herself more attractive to males. In reality when ducks preen they activate a gland that releases an oil that makes them waterproof and acts as an insulator.

Mallards are one of the most common ducks found in North America. They are non-migratory unlike many other waterfowl species. They have the unusual ability to mate with other duck species, producing fertile hybrid off-spring.

This is one of several ducks that congregate along the river bank at Union Point Park in New Bern, North Carolina. While wild birds, these ducks have become tolerant of the humans that visit and toss them treats. Children and adults alike enjoy watching and feeding these lovely birds.

Uploaded

February 4th, 2023

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