In the Backyard this Morning. . .

The duck photos in this post are a bit out-of-focus, so consider them "snapshots," as I was half-asleep when I snapped the shutter.

The male wood duck, is obviously the most attractive of our New England ducks. The photo below just hints at his brilliance. 

Wood ducks are smaller than the resident Mallards (Fred and Ginger), and much more secretive. They'll also dive underwater when feeding (mallards are known as "dabbling" ducks, meaning they just immerse their heads and necks).

 

 

   

You can see "Mrs. Woody" in the bottom right corner. They are shy and skittish  ducks.

    These two species give each other a wide berth, and even tolerate each other's presence.The wood ducks nest in snags (dead trees) and nestboxes, while dabblers like Mallards go the traditional "nest in the weeds" route.A pair of mallards will drive other mallards and dabbling ducks (like black ducks) out of their nesting territory, but the wood ducks usually are alowed to stay.   

The Northern Flicker looks like the quintessential bird "designed by a committee."

 

 

 

The male catbird goes all "gourd" shaped when he's trying to get the attention of a lady