Monday, May 17, 2010

Wood Duck Ducklings

Because of the drizzling overcast skies I didn’t arrive at the wetlands until midmorning. Not knowing what to expect I was elated to see tiny wakes cutting across the water’s surface with a little tuft of down at the apex of each V. Ducklings were crisscrossing the surface busily picking insect from the vegetation. The ducklings were a mix of Wood Ducks and Hooded Mergansers. The duckling pictured here is a Wood Duck.

Ever vigilant, my arrival was quickly noticed by the alert parents who called repeatedly in their attempt to lead their ambitious little charges to safety. The ducklings were slow to respond but soon the little flock disappeared into the surrounding cover. Once the ducklings were safely behind cover the adults flushed followed by the hen demonstrating the “injured duck” behavior in her attempt to lead me away from her young.


Concealing myself behind the willows lining the water’s edge I waited in hopes of the further photo opportunities. I didn’t have long to wait as within thirty minutes, one by one, the little wood duck began to reappear. With a few rays of sun beginning to break through the clouds lighting conditions were improving when I captured this shot as a duckling swam past.

13 comments:

Leedra said...

Well worth the patience. The babies are always so cute, and you captured it so well.

Chad Oneil Myers said...

Nice effect on your type in the header.

Elaine said...

There's a magical feel to this series. It was well worth waiting for that touch of sun in the last shot. Beautiful!

Brad Myers said...

Coy, congrats on the milestone of your blog, I know I have been enjoying it for a few years. I also like the new header.

Your spring has been productive with the bird photographs you habve posted, but like me you have to be itching to photograph some big game.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

So cute.There is just something special about the babies of the wild.
Blessings,Ruth

Peggy said...

Sooo cute! Great work in the weeds! It paid off! The lighting is lovely!

Les Barr said...

Nice Images of the Duckling's. What Wetlands were these at? I just might know it.

Les

Chris said...

Well your patience was rewarded!! This is a beautiful post Coy. Thanks for sharing that moment with us. The pictures with this nice color on the water are just perfect. Well done!

photowannabe said...

You are very patient Salty. Your patience paid off beautifully. the puffy bits of feathers are so winsome. Just saying a big Awwww.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Wow, oh Wow, Coy well worth your patience, wonderful!!!

FAB said...

Delightfully captured new life Coy.

Ali said...

Oh what beautiful photos, I love wood ducks. How sweet!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: Beautiful captures of the Wood Ducks, they are so colorful.