Thursday, March 11, 2010

Stained-glass feathers

We came around a bend in the trail at Reifel Island just in time to catch this pair of wood ducks out in the open.


Wood ducks, female (left) and male.

They're shy birds; before we got a chance at a second shot, they had scooted down the bank and into the water. They came back, partway, when I tossed a few handfuls of seed in their direction. The lighting was bad; we were in shadow, pointing into the light. Imagine these colours, but shining as though with an interior light.


Blues and greens on the male's back.


I always thought the female was drab, but here, in breeding costume, she is in no way eclipsed by her gaudy mate.

8 comments:

  1. They are absolutely gorgeous! That last picture captures their beauty the best! I don't often see Wood Ducks, but when I do, time stands still! ~ks

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  2. Stunning creatures! Great captures! I've only seen them on blogs....would LOVE to see one in person :)

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  3. Excellent photos. I've been waiting so long to see a Wood Duck. Such a beautiful and colorful creature.

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  4. So beautiful - I still get giddy when I see wood ducks - it is always a special event. I was also struck by how stunning the female look in your photos.

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  5. Those are so sharp I could almost touch them.

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  6. Thanks, all. We so rarely see wood ducks, except a brief glimpse 'way across the water. After this close encounter, there was nothing more needed for the day; we walked to the next corner and headed back home.

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  7. Wonderful photos of the beautiful wood ducks. The female is pretty. Great captures!

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  8. Super shots of one of my favorite species of duck Susannah! Wood Ducks are so incredibly beautiful in person but they are difficult to approach.

    I always thought that the male was very handsome but when you see the female in season, I agree with you, she trumps the rather gaudy male.

    The colors of the female in your last photo are amazing.

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