Mallards Hood River Oregon

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A Drake and female mallard on the Hood River in daytime look like a classic Pacific Northwest scene: bright, crisp light, fast‑moving water, and the ducks’ contrasting colors standing out against the river.

The Drake mallard shows a glossy emerald‑green head, a narrow white neck ring, and a rich chestnut‑brown chest. His body is mostly soft gray, with black tail feathers edged in white and a shimmering blue‑violet speculum on each wing that flashes when he moves. His bill is yellow, and his posture on the water tends to be upright and confident.

The hen mallard is mottled in warm brown and tan, with a dark eye stripe and an orange‑and‑brown bill. Her plumage blends more naturally with the riverbank and driftwood, giving her a camouflaged look. She swims lower and more subtly than the male, often glancing around more frequently.

On the Hood River, the water is typically clear, cold, and fast, with sunlight catching ripples and creating bright highlights. The ducks ride the current smoothly, sometimes angling their bodies to compensate for the flow. The surrounding environment often includes rocky edges, evergreen shadows, and open sky, giving the scene a clean, natural Oregon feel.