MALLARDS DEMAND EQUAL TIME

Since I gave the wood ducks so much attention, I am forced in all fairness to devote a moment to Mallards.

We've all seen mallards; they're common here. But they can be quite beautiful. Their iridescence fools the eye. This guy swam up to the camera saying, "Just who do you think you're pointing that thing at?"

Convinced that we were ignoring him, he got a little teed --

But quickly circled to show us his "good" side.

Finally he swam off, quacking happily.

He's the Lord of all he Surveys --

Or he would be, if the lady showed any interest.

She seems to find him just about as attractive as this poor juvenile, who seems to be suffering the proverbial growth spurt with accompanying awkwardness.

Oh well. "To everything, there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."