We came across this dapper fellow on an over-night trip to Big Bear Lake.  This is a drake (male) Wood Duck, by far the most colorful of our North American waterfowl.  This species of duck was nearly wiped-out from the effects of habitat loss, but has made a wonderful recovery thanks to various conservation groups.  Still, you don't see them too often (especially this close up) and his plumage was absolutely striking.

The other duck in these shots is a hen (female) Mallard, one of the most common species of ducks.  These two species of ducks often socialize, rest, eat and migrate together.  The hens of most duck species are drab and mottled in color to camoflage them from predators, while the drakes are more colorful to draw attention away from the nest.