Yesterday afternoon, after a long day at work, I felt the familiar pull to immerse myself in nature, searching for some quiet moments to help heal my soul. The warm, sunny weather made it the perfect day for a Bird Photo Walk, and with a tip that wood ducks could be seen at Kings Pond, I set off with my camera in hand, eager for a chance to capture these beautiful creatures.
As I made my way to the pond, the sunlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows and creating a golden glow over the landscape. It wasn't long before I spotted a few Northern Flickers flitting among the branches. The challenge of shooting into the sun made it difficult to get the perfect shot, but I managed to snap a few photos that captured their vibrant colors against the backlight. The flickers were a treat, even though I knew the lighting wasn’t in my favor. I spotted the Flicker because of their distinctive call that sounds like a loud, repeated "wick-wick-wick" or "flicka-flicka-flicka." And thanks to eBird by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, I was able to identify it and then follow where it landed to snap these photos.
Further along, I was challenged by the smaller, more elusive birds like sparrows and black-capped chickadees. Their quick movements and the play of light and shadow among the leaves made photographing them an exercise in patience and persistence. They were too fast for me or were in a position where the only photo was a silhouette shot. One day, one day I will get some successful little bird photos.
But the real surprise came when I spotted a hummingbird perched among some fall leaves. The position of the sun left the bird silhouetted, but the thrill of capturing a hummingbird was electric.
Every time I spot a bird and I'm able to photograph it, it sets off a firestorm of energy inside me. In that moment, the world stops, and it’s just the bird and me, sharing a brief, yet profound connection. And then, as quickly as it began, the bird is gone, leaving behind a memory captured through my lens.
By the time I arrived at Kings Pond, the area was bustling with people. I worried that the presence of so many walkers might have scared off any ducks. But as I scanned the pond, I was delighted to see a turtle sunning itself on a floating log, sharing its space with a group of common mallard ducks.
The peaceful scene was interrupted by a sudden screeching sound. Following the noise, I moved further up the path and there they were—wood ducks! The males, with their vibrant quilt of colors, and the females, with their softer, yet equally stunning, shades of sand, blue, and purple. I couldn’t believe my luck.
Wood Ducks are one of the most stunningly beautiful duck species in North America, easily recognized by their distinctive, colorful plumage. The males, with their iridescent greens, purples, and blues, adorned with striking white markings, are truly a sight to behold (see photo below). The females, while more subtly colored, are equally beautiful with their delicate patterns of soft brown and white, accented by a unique teardrop-shaped white eye patch (see photo above).
Wood Ducks are migratory birds. They breed in the northern and central parts of the United States and Canada during the warmer months. As the weather cools, they migrate south to spend the winter in the southern United States, Mexico, and even as far as Central America. Some populations in milder climates may remain year-round, but most will travel to find the best conditions for survival through the winter.
Wood ducks have a unique call, more of a screechy squawk than a quack. I watched in awe as several males and females paddled around, staying cautious and distant from the path. Unlike the mallards, which are more familiar with humans, the wood ducks kept their distance, making photographing them a challenge. But I was determined, and with patience, I managed to capture a few shots that I’m truly proud of.
Although I don't believe in baiting birds, I do believe that in urban wildlife settings, where ducks often approach expecting food, it’s kind to have some duck-friendly treats on hand. I made sure to offer some millet as a small payment for their cooperation, ensuring they were well-fed and thanking them for the opportunity to photograph them.
As I walked back to my car, the sound of chirping birds filled the air, a comforting soundtrack to the end of a successful photo walk. I couldn't help but reflect on how easily people take these sounds and creatures for granted. Every bird, every call, every sighting is a gift, and it's important to remember that these small moments of connection with nature are what truly matter.
Local Conservation Tips:
Feeding Ducks: If you enjoy feeding ducks, make sure you provide them with the right food. Offer cracked corn, oats, or birdseed rather than bread, which is harmful to their health. Better yet, support their natural diet by planting native aquatic plants that provide natural food sources.
Plant Native Shrubs and Flowers: Native plants provide birds with natural food sources like seeds and insects, as well as safe nesting places.
Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm birds directly or reduce the insect populations they rely on for food. Opt for natural pest control methods instead.
Pack out what you Pack in: Keeping parks and natural areas free of litter ensures that wildlife habitats remain safe and healthy for the birds and other animals that call them home.
In the end, my evening walk was more than just a chance to take photos—it was a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us every day, if only we take the time to notice.
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