Male Ring-necked Ducks taking flight from Capitol Lake
Aythya collaris
Olympia, WA
December 4, 2011
According to Seattle Audubon's Birdweb
"The Ring-necked Duck forages by diving, but is usually found in shallow water and forages and dabbles at the surface as well. This duck is strong and fast and, unlike many diving ducks, can take flight directly from the water without a running start."