Ruddy Duck at Malheur NWR, Oregon on 30 May, 2010 by Greg Gillson.[Click to read all Memorial Day weekend at Malheur posts.]
Ruddy Ducks are fairly common wintering birds and migrants throughout the Pacific Northwest, as long as the water remains unfrozen. But their dull brown plumage in winter is nothing like their breeding finery.
Ruddy Ducks are common throughout the Malheur area. The bright cinnamon body, white face, and blue bills are quite striking--even in the subdued light of a cloudy early evening photo (above).