Surprising

The plumage of most juvenile male ducks is only subtly different than adults. I presume that makes it hard for females to be able to easily identify their inexperience.

Gadwall and Wigeon males surprise me. The wings of first-year males are clearly less colorful than adults – the rusty upper feathers on Gaddies or the bright white on the forewing of Wigeon.

This Charlee photo makes it easy to see this is a young bird. Lots here at Delta Marsh right now.