March 14, 2021: Wood Ducks
It’s late winter/early spring and already a few of our Wood Ducks can be seen in the ponds and our wooded, swampy areas. They’re usually in small groups, but unlike other waterfowl, they are one of the few duck species equipped with strong claws that can grip bark, so it’s not unusual to see them perched in trees.
The Wood Duck is one of the most stunningly pretty of all waterfowl. Males are iridescent chestnut and green, with ornate patterns on nearly every feather. The elegant females have a distinctive profile and delicate white pattern around the eye.
The Wood ducklings, covered with dull brown feathers, leave the nest shortly after birth as they are raised in water instead of in the nest. Later in the season, we will see moms with their young trailing behind. Always a sight that many of us enjoy!
Happy Birding!