Here is a close-up of a female mallard sleeping.



The story behind her is that I have been following & photographing her and her mate since about November. The male has a broken wing. He swims and forages just fine, but can't fly. The female won't leave his side and I've even seen her catch food for him.

The pair are so used to seeing me that she didn't even bother to keep her eye open this time around as I go to within 7 feet of them.

I contacted a rehabber back in Nov, but she said it was best o just leave them be. Apparently she way right as the male has steadily gotten more and more active. Still can't quite fly though.