D4301s

Federal Duck

Ring-Necked Ducks 

Signature

Fred's Anecdotal Note

Ring-Necked Duck

The drake is mostly a black, white, and gray duck although at close range the head appears to be a beautiful purple color with green sometimes visible on the breast and head. The bill is a lovely blue set off by white bands. A chestnut colored ring around the neck gives this duck its name. Hard to see in the field, at close range in bright light it is quite distinctive. The ring-necked can be found on lakes and ponds as well as in marshes and coastal waters. Breeding grounds abound from Alaska to Nova Scotia and winters are spent on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the lower forty-eight.

The Charles W. Morgan is the only surviving American wooden sailing whaleship. Built in 1841 the ship made 37 extensive voyages (often lasting two or tlree years each) during a span of eighty years. She is now berthed at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut and has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark. Visitors are welcome to board and explore this fascinating floating museum of United States maritime history. The hand painted Collins cachet shows the Charles W. Morgan uader full sail off the New England coast with a striking male ring-necked duck in the foreground.