He survived a live plucking ... oh, this quacks me up ...

[Matt K.]

Had to take a double look at this Mallard. WOW, plucked down to his skin, and looking rather distraught. No idea what got him, but my guess is he is lucky to live and tell the tale ...

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/7162240548_138ff48302_b.jpg

[Michaelaw]

Yowsers!.. I hope your assessment is correct and it's not some kind of duck mange. He looks like he just fought off a Bald Eagle! Nice capture either way matt:thumbup:

[Marko]

Sad to see how tough Nature can be on some animals - fine capture though.

[Hillbillygirl]

Very sad, and hopefully he will make it through this. They can sometimes actually die from exposure when this badly plucked.

[Matt K.]

Sad to see how tough Nature can be on some animals.

Indeed, Marko. We had a guy give our photoclub a talk on Falconry, and he showed us his shots. Quite amazing, He also said that some of these raptors will go after their prey and start munching away while the prey is still alive and fighting. Makes me want to puke ....