Ruddy Duck

Slightly below the image quality I'm looking for at this point in my photo progression, this frame nonetheless represents my best frame of this species to date (it's been 3.5 years since my last crack at this bird). This guy is readying to perform his mating display, a muted series of clucks during which he uses his blue bill to blow bubbles in the water, but he moved out of range by the time he found a female for whom to perform. I liked the curious look and erect tail, but the image lacks the micro-level feather detail for which I'm usually striving. At least I have the motivation to keep after this cute little bird.

Lower Klamath NWR, Siskiyou County, California, 6/17/20
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS 1DX Mark II
1/3200 at f/5.6, ISO 800