All grown up!
Remember our little game back in August? Look who grew up!
The male ring-necked duck is just perfection, and this handsome chap is now in his full iridescent splendour. They're out and about for all of our visitors to adore and photograph in the North American pen all year round, if you can! I'm the first to admit that this is majorly over-exposed! Maybe you can do one justice...
The universal Slimbridge staff favourite; the male Northern pintail. This is unarguably the most handsome duck on the planet, and the tiny details on this species are just the business! The tail, mantle and mohican feathers (an affectionate term...) are stunning elongated monochrome, the flanks the most exceptionally delicate flecks and the beak a striped dusky blue. You just can't beat it. And the best thing is that they're there for you to see whenever and wherever you want! This species can be observed to their best from the Peng observatory at the 4pm wild bird feed.
There's another 'handsome devil' here otherwise known as the Philipine duck. With a delicious year-round tan and that 'not-so-subtle eye' make-up these guys are another photography favourite. There is something so appealing within the face of the Philipine.
Last but not least (and otherwise known as my complete and absolute favourite) here is the white-winged wood duck. This handsome juvenile male is only pushing 7 months old, but just look at that breast and just look at that eye! He's 10% away from perfection; just a few more brown breast feathers to shed. How exciting!
It's the best feeling to look on as these beautiful birds mature. For now they're my inspiration to make it through this murky time of year before the new season begins.
