Actually Male mallards are really easy to capture, if you slide through some of my duck photo's here on ShutterBug, you'll see that there's not a whole lot to getting them. This Honest John fellow means well with his comment, but doesn't really understand how to take a shot like this.
I really like your efforts Clew and please feel free to download any of my shots to look into the EXIF (shot settings) and you'll see how I freeze the motion totally.
Do enjoy and good luck.
Mallard Hen[url]http://forum.shutterbug.com/photopost/data/501/2921ducky.jpg[/url]
Mallard Drake flying: [url]http://forum.shutterbug.com/photopost/data/501/2921ducks_flyby2_2.jpg[/url]

are these tame ducks?
I think you captures relay the essents of a male mallard, but I have never seen a photo, of a mallard that rings true to real life.. a male mallards head is one thing that photography can't mastered..

Thank you $tylephoto. I appreciate your input because your honest. It's what I need. Thanks for permission to obtain your EXIF. You remind me of Simon on American Idol (in a good way). You tell the truth and I know if I ever begin to get some good shots you will let me know. Thanks again.