Wood duck

It was another gorgeous day today, so definitely a day for a walk in the park, rather than on the treadmill! I was thrilled to capture this wood duck, as I dont't see them very often around here. The Wood Duck is about three-quarters of the length of an adult Mallard, and is closely related to the Mandarin Duck. Their breeding habitat is wooded swamps, shallow lakes, marshes or ponds in eastern North America, the west coast of the United States and western Mexico. They usually nest in cavities in trees close to water, although they will take advantage of nesting boxes in wetland locations if available. They feed by dabbling or walking on land. They mainly eat berries and seeds, but also insects. The population of the Wood Duck was in serious decline at the beginning of the 20th century as a result of severe habitat loss and market hunting both for meat and plumage for the ladies' hat market in Europe. Banning market hunting and establishment of game laws to regulate sports hunting along with conservation efforts including widespread construction of nesting boxes in suitable habitat resulted in their comeback. The population has increased a great deal in the last several years.

Best viewed in large.

One year ago: Sun-capped slopes