Yesterday morning, I was more than delighted to photograph a Wood Duck pair at Reeves Slough at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Hen and drake Wood Duck pair at Reeves Slough, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/250, ISO 1600, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
I haven’t taken as many Wood Duck photos as I would like, but now that I’m living where I see them frequently, I hope to take many more.
Wood Ducks are dabbling ducks and perching ducks too. They nest in hollow trees, and human-made nest boxes have really helped this species.
Drake Wood Ducks are very colorful, and I can see why the hens are attracted to them. They are handsome ducks!
This mated pair of Wood Ducks was resting and preening on the far side of the slough. I wish they had been a little closer, but I enjoyed the habitat in this image too.
Hopefully, I’ll have many more opportunities to photograph this duck species when they’re closer than they were yesterday.
Wood Ducks lay 9 to 15 eggs which hatch in 25 to 37 days. The young leave the nest soon after they hatch and maybe this year ‘ll also get to photograph baby Wood Ducks!
I’m glad I had this Wood Duck pair in my viewfinder yesterday.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Wood Duck photos plus facts and information about this species.
I have always marveled at the male Wood-duck’s rich, articulate, colors. Gorgeous shot. The framing is terrific. Thanks Mia.
I am very glad you saw them too – and look forward as you do to seeing more.