A Mallard duckling starting to grow adult feathers on the front part of its body

Mallard child

Not quite a baby anymore! It’s already growing adult-ish feathers on the front side of its body.

   18 June 2023
   Mallard Duck
   ILCE-7M3
   1/320s    f/8   272mm   ISO 500
A Mallard duckling starting to grow adult feathers on the front part of its body