WAITING FOR A NEW COAT

This duck is in the middle of her molting season when new feathers grow in as the old are pushed out. Duck feathers don't last forever; in fact, they shed their feathers twice each year - early summer and again in September.

During the summer molting, the body feathers fall out first, then later the wing feathers. The wing feathers are filled with blood as they grow and are heavy, so the ducks are unable to fly during this time. But they grow fast - possibly up to a half inch in a day. Blood no longer flows in them after they stop growing - then they become hollow and light.

The dull feathers from the summer molting last only a few months. Only their body feathers are replaced during the September molt when they become colorful again with what are called breeding feathers. Then they are ready for their winter migration and spring breeding when the female selects the best looking mate.