When I first saw this male Ruddy Duck, I did a double take. A vibrant blue bill? It doesn’t look real but it is! Male Ruddy Duck’s in breeding plumage turn that ruddy color and their bill becomes a bright sky blue. When we saw this bird in Sierra Valley a few weeks ago, he was agitated and charging at another male. Both had their tails up and they roiled the water causing bubbles to form under them. It was quite fascinating behavior to witness. Of course there was a female nearby. We didn’t stay to see who won her affections.