Free Ride

I was puzzled by behavior of these Gadwall ducks.  Whether it was a fight for territory or just one of the ducks decided to "ride for free". In any case, it was fun to watch them interact with each other learning something new about their behavior. 

Life goes on.

A Male Gadwall Duck in the Golden Water

 

There were two of Gadwalls ducks that morning at Bear River but a female chose  more messy part of the river and I concentrated mostly on a male.  The river's water was muddy but the rising sun gave the river a nice golden touch.

Generally, life is good!

One Big Family

That was one big family!  Seven ducklings and their young mama. 

 It's so good to cuddle in the late evening and have a nap.

Mama Gadwall duck is watching her babies.

Let's go for a swim! 

His neck isn't strong enough but soon it will be longer and stronger.

Mama decided to watch her ducklings from the shore letting them
 to be on their own.