There are signs of spring in Boston, so it's a fitting time to feature the mallard in our Audubon case! This time of year, mallards return to their breeding grounds, pair up, nest, and then raise ducklings. Shown here are two pairs of males and females - males are distinguished by the green feathers on their heads, while females have brown. In the print, they are shown in a marshy habitat, but you are also likely to see friendly mallards in city parks! This was not the case in the 1830s, as Audubon
wrote in his description that, "this valuable species is extremely rare in the wild state in the neighbourhood of Boston in Massachusetts; and in this assertion, I am supported by my talented and amiable friend Mr. Nuttall, who resided there for many years."
We wish that Audubon had thought to include some adorable ducklings in the print, too! To see those, you'll need to wander down to the Public Garden to see the
Make Way for Ducklings sculpture, but be sure to stop in and visit us from April 15 through May 7 to see the Mallard Duck (plate 221) on display in our reading room.
Elizabeth Roscio
Preservation Librarian
