Wood Duck
Would you believe it took me over five trips and countless miles to try to locate one of these beauties. Thankfully, being a member of the Anne Arundel County Bird Club with an active facebook page a number of people heard me lament about my inability to find one. A friend would text me “Wood duck here” and I’d rush over there within a half an hour and the duck would be gone. Yep, I believe I’m beginning to become a bit duck blind.
But one person knew of a wood duck that has become practically domesticated and lives in a small fenced in retaining pond near Baltimore airport. So off I went this morning, with a bag of corn in the trunk hoping for good fortune. Indeed he was there, and even gave me a bathing show.
While there, I watched this pair of male mallards in a big fight. Clearly one was a bigger bully than the other.
It sure ended up being a great duck day. It shows that perseverance does pay off.
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Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that?
We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves.
We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Birds, Nature
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Drakes are smart… “lol”
Excellent captured… 🙂
LOL ! Yes, but what about that fight? It was pretty crazy.
It’s something drakes do for sweet photographers… “lol”
Now I know what is meant by “water off a duck’s back.”
Thanks Rebecca ! It is so true.
Wow! Feathers were flying!! Fantastic shots!! : )
Isn’t that awesome ! I didn’t see the flying feather until I got home. It was such a spat.
Loving your captures – Birds in action:) Have a Great One!
Call me crazy, but I love watching birds in action. 🙂
I love the photos, but I’m so jealous! I have tried countless times for a clear shot of a wood duck, and the only ones I have gotten are of the females. Around here, the males are extremely secretive and stay hidden most of the time.
I would imagine Jerry. I’ve had a hard time finding a wild Wood Duck. I’ve been told that this one was from an owner that gave up on them and sold them. He had been farm raised. An acquaintance put the drake along with a hen in this pond. The hen is now MIA.
Oh what colours!! And I love how you’ve captured the sheen of water falling off the duck’s back. This post captured beautifully the motion and vibrance of life! Sharon
I think we all can use reminding of how fabulous life can be in the little simplicities. We get so bogged down with every day drudgery. 🙂
wow, the duck in the second picture is my favourite… those colours! amazing!
Thank you so much Evi! He really is awesome isn’t he?
What a beautiful bird! Worth waiting for. Great photos and wonderful quotation!
I think so too. A very special duck to truly appreciate. Thanks Fatima.
It was a wonderful duck day. The duck fight was a great sequence.
How could I not capture that duck fight. It was awesome ! Although I really felt sorry for the duck being beat up. I almost decided to break up the fight, but then they stopped on their own.
Wow what a beautiful, elegant fight – I mean seriously! Great photography, love the pools of silky water surrounding these lovely ducks. I’ll bet you had a ball watching your find, these guys are showstoppers.
I was so thrilled to finally find a wood duck. Although a bit domesticated, but still a beautiful duck anyway. The fight was really cool, but I’m glad it ended quickly.
The coloring of these ducks is just amazing. Beautiful photos!
Thank you so much. Truly, I think these two variety of ducks are some of the prettiest out there. So far I’ve found about 10 different types this year. I never knew they existed before!
wow… such interesting looking guys!! all those colors! as one other blogger mentioned in the past, a paint-by-number critter, hee! 🙂
Awesome..paint by number duck. 🙂 Made me laugh!
That wood duck sure is a beauty and the photos are outstanding!
Looks like the feathers were really flying with those mallards!
It really was a heck of a fight, or rather a good beating. Do you see wood ducks where you are? I’m so happy I finally found one!
We get them occasionally. you may remember these posts of mine from back in Oct.
http://phillanoue.com/2012/10/11/wood-ducks-2/
http://phillanoue.com/2012/10/09/caught-canoodling/
Well, whatever the bag of corn cost you, Emily, you certainly got your money’s worth. 😆 Beautiful birds, and what a show they put on for you. Wonderful photos. 🙂
The bag was so cheap, I felt like I got the best end of the bargain. These ducks are spectacular. Thanks Sylvia!
Fight, fight, fight! Great shots!
LOL ! That is an awesome response Maya ! Can it be its taken me four days to reply? Shame on me. Thank you so much for commenting.
The color of the rainbow and the mallards can be as vicious as swans.
That poor mallard really was getting a beating, but he took it like a good little boy, and they went off together to the water.
I really love your wood duck photos. The detail is amazing.
Thanks Charlie ! I really need to get back with better lighting and a tripod. It’s in the plan. 🙂
Oh my goodness, their colors are absolutely gorgeous.
You photographed them so beautifully.
You are too kind Lisa. Mother Nature’s creatures really are incredible aren’t they?
Oh wow, I love the colours in those birds, they are so rich, great post Emily.
Thank you so much Leanne ! I know you have incredible birds down under. I’m actually a bit jealous.
We do have some really beautiful ones, but we hardly see them. I’m not really a bird, but if I see some now, I think of you all and try to photograph them.
LOL ! You are too funny Leanne. No worries, keep to your architecture. the images are amazing.
Beautiful shots!! Love the colours 🙂
Quack Quack..thanks Judy!
Wow ! These are breathtaking !