Ruddy Duck / Oxyura jamaicensis

From my archives, taken on 9 June 2011 in SW Calgary. I'm often surprised when I happen to look for something in my photostream and only find a handful of images for that subject, knowing that I have taken many photos over time. The reason is that I have so many photos on my hard drive that just never got posted. So, finally, here is this Ruddy Duck : )

The Ruddy Duck is a small, stiff-tailed duck, having a spiky tail that it often holds straight up in display. Male and female are 13.8–16.9 in (35–43 cm) in length. The male's bright cinnamon red feathers and blue bill make it an attractive water bird.

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruddy_Duck/id

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruddy_Duck/id