Ruddy Duck family

Though Ruddy Ducks are common in Alberta from April to September, I don't get to see them very often and usually when I have seen them, they are far away in the distance. This family was swimming on MacKenzie Lake recently. It was the first time I had ever seen Ruddy ducklings, so it was quite a treat. Breeding males have a beautiful blue bill. A Ruddy Duck has long, stiff tail feathers often cocked upwards, as can be seen with this adult female.