Wood Duck
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Wood Duck is one of the most striking species of waterfowl in North America, and always a treat when found. Fortunately, that is reasonably often- they have adapted fairly well to urban parks and ponds. But this pair on the inlet at my local Inwood Hill Park, in October 2004, was a bit of a surprise (and a park first for me)- I rarely see any waterfowl beyond the semi-domesticated Mallards and Canada Geese in this busy environment.  


A handsome pair of Wood Ducks in Inwood Hill Park.

The following images were taken in another urban environment, perhaps a more suitable one; Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, New York. This bird was associating with other dabbling (and handout-grubbing) puddle ducks, but was more wary- I tucked myself behind a tree and was able to get wonderful close-ups of this exquisite bird.  


A wonderful shot of a drake Wood Duck.

A remarkable close up of a Wood Duck's head.

Interesting shot of a Wood Duck flexing its wings, albeit a bit blurred by the motion.

Elsewhere on this site: Birds of Inwood Hill Park

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