The female mallard has spread her wings about to take off and the male mallard followed her quickly. Both sexes have the purple blue speculum, here visible on the female. Speculum refers to the iridescent, blue patch on its wing, bordered by white feathers, here visible on the female with spread wings.

Note that the male mallard has lost his colorful breeding plumage in a process called the "eclipse molt," where they become dull, brown, and similar in appearance to females to camouflage themselves while flightless. This camouflage is a survival strategy, but by mid-October, they typically molt again and regain their vibrant green heads and other brilliant colors for the breeding season.

Nikon. 400mm

crop in Photoshop, enhance Franzis HDR