Most duck species have one or two characteristics that make them different. But with Ruddy Ducks, almost everything is unusual. Ruddy Ducks are of the "stiff-tailed ducks" tribe. Their spiky tail is often held erect above the water in display. The tail is a sure giveaway to identify. Ruddy ducks
are shy,
spending much
of their time surrounded by the cattails that grow in shallow water at
the edge of wetlands. To view them in winter, go to where Quail Creek
spills into Quail Lake Reservoir. These shallow waters seem to be a
favorite haunt of the Ruddy Ducks. Also, Springs Park Pond in St.
George
attracts large numbers of migrating, and wintering water fowl because
of its close proximity to the Virgin River. This is the pond to
see
Ruddy Ducks, up close, in most any season of the year. Ruddy Ducks are
smaller, but great divers who feed on insects, seeds, and roots of
aquatic plants.