The Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) is named for the cinnamon colored ring around its neck, which can only be seen under the most absolutely perfect conditions. It would have been better named Ring-billed Duck as both sexes have prominent white rings around their bills. Males are bold black-and-gray ducks with a dark head, black back, and gray sides, with white slashed on the sides of their dark chests. Females are rich brown with a contrastingly pale cheek, a white patch near the bill, and a whitish eyering. Ring-necked Ducks breed in freshwater marshes (like the one here), bogs, and other shallow, often acidic wetlands. They forage by diving to feed on mollusks, invertebrates, and submerged aquatic vegetation. Even though this species dives for its food, you can find them in shallow wetlands such as beaver swamps, ponds, and marshes.
The cache is a camouflaged peanut butter jar. There is ample parking along the shoulder of the road.