I literally had to leave the camera on the beach an entire month for the duckies to finally get used to the thing and come closer!

Also, I suspect they're less careful because the mating season is in full swing and they're more concerned with trying to have a good time than avoiding weird objects sticking out of the water 🙂

Look around you, there are lady and gentlemen mallards all around. The gents sport a green head and white streaks while the ladies have a mottled beige plumage.