Landing Duck

I love photographing waterfowl.  This male Gadwall came in for a landing at one of the ponds by the Jackson National Fish Hatchery just off HWY 26 south of Jackson Hole Wyoming in January 2023.  It was a very cold day with blowing snow, but they were flying really well.  Gadwall ducks (Anas strepera) are medium-sized dabbling ducks found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their striking plumage, featuring a mottled brown body with a distinctive black rear end. Male gadwalls have a grayish-brown body, a white belly, and a subtle, black patch near the tail. In contrast, females are generally mottled brown all over. These ducks are often seen in freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, and marshes, where they feed on aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates. Gadwall ducks are known for their quiet, quacking calls, and they are a common sight for birdwatchers and waterfowl enthusiasts in their respective ranges.