As is often the way in the world of birds the female is somewhat less colourful, and in fact they can be hard to separate from the rather less colourful Grey Teal at times (OK, most of the time!)
These ducks were on a local pond, and seem to be rather more relaxed then some. Although bread feeding is not good for the health of the birds, it does make for rather easier than normal photography.
The Chestnut Teal's official name is Anas castanea, which means that it is in the same genus as the very familiar Mallard. The name Anas castanea means Chestnut duck - which only really applies to the male; so the ladies can feel rather left out.
Not a lot of action in these pictures I grant you - but that bottle green head is a cracking colour.
(As a note the next month will be really busy for me - WBW will appear as expected, but that may be about it! So, if you comment and I don't seem to reply, it could be because I am up to my neck in work, or on a plane, or jet lagged or all three at the same time - but trust me, I will get back to you in the end!)
So, now thats out in the open, if you click on the familiar blue button below you can join in with WBW!
Another beautiful Teal. They can be rather standoffish here. It just depends on the areas. We have Canvasback that do the same thing you are mentioning, but in the midwest, many people have a hard time getting great views of them because they are always so far away in the water areas. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful duck. As a member of the Mallard family it probably quacks. Our only local "quacker" is the Mottled Duck, a very nondescript bird in comparison to your Teal. Have safe travels!
ReplyDeleteLovely to see this variation on the Mallard - that chestnut color really complements the green head so well!
ReplyDeleteI think he has a beautiful color palette to his feathers!
ReplyDeleteLovely shots Stewart!
The markings on its feathers are super!!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a chestnut teal, but what's this beautiful! Beautiful colors, sharp and brilliant detail. This is enjoy waterfowl.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Helma
The feather detail is so crisp. And I laughed at your uninvited guest post.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ducks, marvellous photos!
ReplyDeleteLovley colours at that one ,nette
ReplyDeletethey're fantastic! that eye is sharp and so is his dress!
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome, colorful fellow and with sharp eyes indeed!! Great shots as always!!
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart, your Teal is a handsome duck. Pretty shots! Thanks for hosting, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful coloured duck. Hope you do not gettoo snowed under with work. Thanks for hosting Stewart.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really lovely duck with a mallard green head.
ReplyDeleteA handsome fellow indeed! Beautiful portraits. Your disclaimer at the end reminds me once again to marvel at the great blogging you do while raising your family and working full time. I'm so glad you somehow ever find the time. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Chestnut Teal. That's another bird I haven't been able to get close enough to.
ReplyDeleteI agree...a cracking color (I think, whatever that means, it rocks)
ReplyDeleteHe's really a beautiful duck. The feather coloring and pattern are striking.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous duck! Beautiful photos, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteWell, the Male Mallard must be green with envy ... that chestnut color of the Chestnut Teal is stunning. Don't need action with that kind of beauty ... though I think that the female deserves a showing as well. I hope you were not the one guilty of feeding bread to these beauties ... there is good reason not to. I always carry lettuce with me and most of the water birds will come to see what it is (good pic op) and maybe a third of them will actually eat it. The swans gobble it up so
ReplyDeleteif they are around ... really good photo op. Sorry next month will be so busy with work. It is, after all winter in your neck of the woods so hope you are going to travel to our nornthern hemisphere where things are just beginning to be lively and warm. Sorry I missed last week. My life has been a bit hectic as well (read Izz's post)but seems to be getting back on track. Be well, Stewart.
Andrea @ From The Sol
The contrast of the coppery feather with the green head is luscious.
ReplyDeleteMy Goodness, Stewart! That's one of the most beautiful ducks I have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThough I am a Vegetarian, somehow the thought of a Chocolate Truffle comes to mind when I see this miraculous creature.
Beautiful photo!
Thanks for hosting WBW.
Have a Beautiful Week!
Peace :)
Pretty little guy. I like his cinnamon coloring.
ReplyDeleteMB
It may be quite common but the colouring is still fantastic. From a photographer's point of view a lack of action is definitely an advantage!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series of this beautiful duck, Stewart.
ReplyDeleteBest regards, Irma
Cute bird...
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bird!! Don't think I've seen a picture of that one before.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird, splendid pictures too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous duck..Beautiful coloring.Great photos and feather detail...Hope you survive the month..Will miss you
ReplyDeleteSplendid photographs of a really great-looking duck, Stewart! You're right - that green head is cracking!
ReplyDeleteHope your busy week is going well! Nothing but rain here in Florida the past few days. Should be clearing soon, though. I feel the need for shorebirds......
All the best - Wally
These teals are just so beautiful. I love the male's coloration so much. Great photos! Have a great trip (or trips) and don't worry about all of us...we'll be here when you get back! Thanks again, Stewart for your wonderful devotion to birding and to the blogs!
ReplyDeleteLucky you, what a gorgeous bird! The captures are splendid, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what's going on beneath the surface! ;)
ReplyDeleteStewart, marvelous duck. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour teal is beautiful! I can see the head color is very much like the mallards.
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome fellow! Don't tell me you've resorted to bribing the birds for photo ops. Hmmm, I may have to try that! Godspeed on your travels!
ReplyDeleteWow - such pretty markings.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird, Stewart. Have a safe travel month, and try to get some rest :)
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely birds. I would never tire of seeing them.
ReplyDeleteThey have very handsome coloring! Great shots! Your remark about how since the birds have been bread-fed they are easier to photograph reminds me of one time when we picniced by a river in Iowa City. It was probably the Iowa River--and we were on lunch break from a chess tournament. We picked a nice grassy spot and started in on our sandwiches and potato chips; then the ducks saw us and came marching closer and closer until they finally joined us in our picnic. The nice people that we are, we shared...but they'd obviously been fed a few times too often to invite themselves! All the best in your work and travels!
ReplyDeleteThe Teal family are all rather lovely, this one no exception. I've never known a Common Teal come to bread simply because they remain ever wild. they do however come to grain put down in the autumn by shooters! Hope life gets less busy Stewart.
ReplyDelete