Monday, May 18, 2009

Misty Morning Wood Duck


Although the skies were clear the gray early morning mist swirled slowly about the wetlands until well after sunrise. The mature Wood Duck drake swam cautiously past my camouflaged form hidden among the bushes along the shoreline.

The duck knew my shape was out of place in the habitat he knew intimately. Fully aware that danger can lurk motionlessly, he swam slowly watching me intently until there was a screen of brush between us before exploding into flight.

I’m sure that he thought that his evasion tactics were successful however he was unaware that I had gotten exactly what I wanted, an image of our most colorful duck.

12 comments:

Meggie said...

The wood duck is my absolute favorite duck. Its coloring is so magnificent. Your photo looks like one in a field guide, Salty, quite beautiful!

Elaine said...

Gorgeous photo. The ambiance and reflection are so beautiful, not to mention the wood duck.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Beautiful shot with the misty look.Also,I knew you were a great photographer and now it seems you are alo a great story teller.The description of this shoot is fantastic.
Blessings,Ruth

Anonymous said...

I loved the Osprey and the Wood Duck is really nice too. I don't see anything close to them here in my backyard. LOL I guess I need some water features.

Gobsmacked

imac said...

Suck a Duckie post Salty, love it - great shot with the mist.


pop and see Dorothy - or not?

Montanagirl said...

Salty, that's a beautiful shot. They are such a colorful duck. I've seen a few of those around here. This morning I saw my first Baltimore Oriole of the spring. I heard his sweet "flutey" call before I spotted him.

photowannabe said...

This is a prize winning photo Salty. The tones and composition are perfect. Stunning.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: What a nice capture of the Wood Duck. I have only seen them far off in the lake.

Leedra said...

The misty morning adds so much to this photo.

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Shelley said...

Very beautiful misty and magical photo of the Wood Duck!!

Chris said...

Gosh, that's a shot, first for the duck and its attitude, second for the atmosphere you got on this shot. Sumptuous image!

Anonymous said...

Wood Ducks are one of my favorite, such a nice photograph!!...debbie