Hi All,
 
Various times this summer I thought the late Ruddy duck seen at McMillan Reservoir in DC was gone. It first showed up June 27th and then was visible most days through mid August.  Finally, I thought it had left after a cold front blew through, but it was seen again August 30th. Then, I couldn't relocate it and thought it was calling DC quits, but then it showed up September 13th.  It went AWOL for a while, but made another apperance again today.
 
I'm 99% sure it has been the same duck throughout the summer, and I'm 95% sure it is still the same duck today. Luckily, it finally has some more appropriate company and no longer has to hang out with the big Canada Geese.  Now it has a Ring-billed duck following it around.  
 
Here are 2 interesting photos of how "Ruddy" has molted over the months:
 
late June:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/27721024@N05/5878955889/
 
Late Spetember: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27721024@N05/6167906480/
 
And his new friend:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/27721024@N05/6167369037/
 
Good Birding!
 
Jason Berry
Washington, DC

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