Utah - Ring-necked Duck

       A lone male Ring-necked duck has been bobbing along on a small neighborhood pond for the past two days.  These ducks winter somewhat south of Utah and summer mostly in Canada.  I made this duck's acquaintance when it took a migratory break on the Retreat Meadows in Brattleboro a few years ago.   According to Sibley, it is named for a dark brown ring at the base of the neck; I have learned to look for the white ring on its bill as visual marker that is much more evident.  Maybe this means winter is nearly over?  Present conditions make me doubtful!