Wood Duck
It was a beautiful Sunday morning. Quiet, clear and finally getting warmer. I went down to the pond in the dark to set up to take pictures of Wood Ducks and whatever other ducks I might find. I quietly settled in as close as I could get to the water without getting wet, sat on my padded stadium seat, set up my tripod and camera across my legs and pulled the camo netting over my head and camera. I waited as the sky gradually filled with light and watched the ducks as they swam around the pond, foraging for food and preening. Some light clouds drifted in softening the light, but also reducing the intensity a bit. I really wanted a little more sun to bring out the colors on the heads of the drakes, but I also knew that I had to take pictures in the less than ideal light because they could spook and fly away at any time. The female Wood Ducks were checking out all of the nest boxes and the males followed them around from one corner of the pond to another. I got a few photographs of the Wood Ducks as the light improved slightly and I'm glad that I didn't wait, because they soon flew off to the trees. The other ducks were a bit more cooperative. I also got several nice pictures of the Bluebills (aka Scaup) as well as Blue-Winged Teal. But soon the early morning joggers and walkers scared most of birds away... but it was time to leave anyway.
Click the images to see a larger picture or see more pictures of ducks here.
Click the images to see a larger picture or see more pictures of ducks here.
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