A male Wood Duck is not the first one to come to my mind when I think of colorful birds perched in trees. In fact, I don't think I've ever associated the act of "perching" with any duck. I've always considered "standing" to be an appropriate action for a duck when not flying, swimming, or simply resting. That all changed this morning as I was driving through a heavily wooded area at the west end of the Provo airport dike road. I thought I had finished birding for the morning and was about to head home when I had the fortune of spotting a colorful male Wood Duck standing...excuse me..."perched" on a branch above the road. It's the first time I've seen a Wood Duck along that road, but it really is suitable habitat for them since they prefer water sheltered by trees. That particular area is where the Provo River completes its nearly-70 mile journey from high in the Uintah Mountains when it flows into Utah Lake. The area is surrounded by mature cottonwood trees.
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| Male Wood Duck in Provo, UT |
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| Male Wood Duck in Provo, UT |
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| Male Wood Duck in Provo, UT |
A female Wood Duck made its presence known when she flew from one branch to another and caught my attention. She explored and nibbled at a spot on a tree where a thick branch appeared to have been cut from the tree and was now partially engulfed by the growth of the main trunk. I'm not sure if she found something to eat or was simply curious.
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| Female Wood Duck in Provo, UT |
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| Female Wood Duck in Provo, UT |
Unlike other ducks, Wood Ducks prefer to nest in trees. They will also nest in man-made boxes when placed in an appropriate location near water.
This morning's pair of ducks briefly perched on a shared branch. These two lovely Wood Ducks will probably be making tiny Wood Ducks before we know it. I'm hoping that is the case anyway.
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| Breeding Pair of Wood Duck in Provo, UT |
I was granted once last glance over the shoulder by the male from about 30 feet above before he and his lady friend left me standing alone in the woods surrounded by the drumming of a Downy Woodpecker and the song of a male Yellow-rumped Warbler.
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| Male Wood Duck Provo, UT |
Here's a couple of images captured in better lighting from previous encounters with these uniquely patterned ducks.
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| Male Wood Duck in Breeding Plumage |
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| Male Wood Duck in Breeding Plumage |
Super cool Jeff, both to have some behavioral/habitat shots and then the crushing close ups we all love so well.
ReplyDeleteIt's not enough that these are the most colorful North American ducks. They're also the most unique with their habitat preferences...just so stand-out.
I had some this weekend too--always a pleasure.
Thanks, Laurence. It was a delight. I got lost in the moment (which is much longer than a moment for a birder) when I spotted the male. I had just told my wife earlier in a text I was on my way home. Needless to say, she wondered if I got lost along the way :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so very much for sharing your beautiful photos! am now handicapped and can't get out to bird as I used to...that is why posted pics are so important to me and yours are outstanding! by the way, have you ever watched a group of whistling ducks perched in trees? they are pretty, cute, noisy, funny clowns! Bobbie
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoy the images, Bobbie. If you are anywhere near northern Utah I would be delighted to help you get out for some birding. I have yet to see a Whistling Duck, but when I first started birding a few years ago I thought for sure I heard ducks whistling. It turned out that it was a small group of American Wigeons making their group courtship noise.
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