Kip’s Comments - March 8, 2023

Camouflage

We humans do a pretty good job of creating camouflage to help us blend into our environments. Our 3D ghillie suits and even some patterned clothing is a near match. As good as our camo is, I am not sure it matches what nature accomplishes on an every day basis, at least for some species or genders of some wildlife species.

Today I noticed a drake mallard in shallow water in a wooded area. My eyes focused on his gaudy colors - that green head and lighter colored back. It wasn’t until I looked around that I recognized a hen mallard was nearby. She blended so well with her environment that I nearly missed seeing her.

These two mallards are probably a mated pair. Soon he will be distracting predators away from the nest where she will be concealed as she warms their eggs. Soon there will be more camouflaged and gaudy ducks in the area.

Hen Mallard - Image 793584

Drake and Hen Mallard - Image 793599