Dropping In: Mallard prepares to stick the landing.

Hues of blue and purple flash in this mallard drake’s green head as it puts on the air brakes and prepares for a landing. This picture was taken near Anchorage, Alaska, in early March when ducks are in full breeding plumage. That’s snow win the background.
Mallards actually winter around Anchorage in surprising numbers despite winters that typically feature subzero temperatures and plenty of snow. The hardy birds will stick around through the worst of it as long as food and open water can be found.
This image was shot in overcast afternoon light with a Canon 7D Mark II at f /6.3, shutter speed 1/1600, ISO 1000. ©Ken Marsh
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