The Ruddy Duck is a regular winter resident in small numbers on coastal ponds in Falmouth.  It is a bigheaded chunky duck and is easy to recognize.  In the winter, the male becomes gray-brown with a grayish bill.  The Ruddy Duck is known as an excellent swimmer and diver.  This Ruddy Duck was recently seen among a small group of ducks in open water on the west side of Ashumet Pond.