I must have seen more Cinnamon Teal at Bear River than I’ve ever seen anywhere, a real treat since I seldom see them here in the Pacific Northwest. Photographically, it was a special treat to see them at first light.
The male seemed to glow in the morning light.
Of course, it’s hard to know the real color (assuming there is such a thing) of a male Cinnamon Teal because they look quite different in different sunshine.
I must admit that I was a little surprised when I saw this Cinnamon Teal standing on a log because he suddenly looked a lot shorter than he did when he was in the water. Those big feet and big beak, made me remember it’s actually a rather small duck, much smaller than a Mallard.
This Cinnamon Teal was just outside the driving tour on the way back.
He didn’t appear quite so mellow when I saw him the next day, but that’s a tale for another day.
They are such striking looking birds. We only get to see them in winter and early spring. Always such a welcome sight.