Ruddy Ducks are a small freshwater diving duck with a scoop shaped bill and stiff tail that is often held upright. Males have a bright white cheek patch. They take on a chestnut color in the summer. Only a little bit shows here and there on these photos of males at this time of year. They are migrating out of their wintering grounds here on the east coast and heading for their breeding areas around the Great Lakes. They also have a very widespread breeding area in the western US and Canada.
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