Saturday, June 20, 2009

Wood Duck Hen


Usually my encounters with the local Wood Ducks ends almost immediately once the ducks discover my presence. The encounter with the woody hen was different.

While walking the dike that separates the deeper water of the local wetland from a swampier portion that borders the creek I noticed this Wood Duck hen among the high grass. The hen was reluctant to leave swimming slowly in the shallow water and finally disappearing after a couple of minutes into the grass.

I don’t know her reasons for not taking flight as most do. I have considered that she may have had young nearby but usually in that case the hens do the injured duck routine.

Whatever her reasons were for hanging around I enjoyed the encounter as am pleased that she gave me the opportunity to capture her portrait.

For more Critters of all kinds visit our friend Misty’s Camera Critters Blog



16 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

She may not be as brightly colored as the male,but she is still a prety girl.
Blessings,Ruth

Carletta said...

I hope everybody enlarges this - it's full of detail.
Such a cute little thing!
Very nice capture.
Oh, I love the header shot. You and Willard capture those little fawns so beautifully!

My post is here: Carletta’s Captures.

Shelley Munro said...

Nice photo. She's watching you closely. :)

Sandy Kessler said...

I join you in the honeysuckle memories-- cute little duckie guy sandy

Cezar and Léia said...

Adorable post!HAve a great Sunday!
Purrs and love
Luna(from Brazil)

Chris said...

Hi Coy,
She is not as beautiful as the male, but she is gorgeous. A great shot in a nice environment...

Montanagirl said...

And a terrific portrait it is! Love her surroundings.

Anonymous said...

Isn't she pretty! maybe more elegant with her long neck. Nice photo!!...debbie

Adrienne Zwart said...

I love the way the sun is illuminating her. Very pretty picture!

Unknown said...

These are such colorful ducks. I used to see them around here occasionally but not so much anymore.

Tom said...

The males are very nice, so it good to see the female up close like this as it give you the chance to show her beauty off.. so often over looked when the males are about.
Tom
My post are: Buttercups With Holly and Natures Beauty

Unknown said...

What a beauty and a really nice capture of her..

Interesting about the 'injured duck routine'. I din't know they did that.

That might explain the way one female duck was acting, when I was trying to photograph her the other day. She was near some tall grasses. I didn't even think that she might have a nest in there..

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This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: What a wonderful capture of the neat animal.

Ken Conger Photography said...

Nice image. I agree that she probably had some chicks in the grass since she didn't take flight. Blue Skies.

Meggie said...

Hey Salty! Nice shot of the wood hen. I think wood ducks are some of the most beautiful of all ducks...most unusual markings. Happy 4th to you and Mrs. Salty!