The ruddy duck isn't your average waterfowl. With its distinctive brick-red body, stubby tail, and oversized blue bill, it stands out from the crowd. But the ruddy duck's true story goes beyond its flamboyant appearance. It's a tale of remarkable adaptation, a cautionary story of invasive success, and a reminder of the delicate balance within ecosystems.Unlike dabbling ducks that feed at the surface, ruddy ducks are masters of the underwater world. Their compact bodies, powerful wings for propulsion, and large webbed feet act like rudders, allowing them to dive deep in pursuit of prey. Their namesake feature, the massive blue bill, is perfectly adapted for straining small aquatic creatures from the muck at the bottom of lakes and rivers. Witnessing a ruddy duck disappear beneath the water's surface in a flurry of bubbles, its powerful strokes propelling it forward, reveals their remarkable diving prowess. Look under the bridge at Jonas Green Park to find this diminutive visitor.
