This colorful male Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) was standing tall yesterday as he kept watch over a nesting box at Huntley Meadows Park. I kept watch for a while myself, hoping to photograph a female entering or exiting the box, but came up empty-handed.
It’s breeding time and all of the animals and birds seem to be looking for mates and preparing for the arrival of babies. At least some of the Hooded Mergansers and Wood Ducks use the nesting boxes at various locations throughout the park. Tree Swallows also use nesting boxes, although those boxes are much smaller than the ones used by the ducks.
I don’t know if this male Wood Duck is guarding eggs that have already been laid in the box or is merely helping to reserve the box for use by his partner. In the past I have spent extended periods of time waiting for the arrival and departure of female ducks at nesting boxes. I find it amazing that the females are able to arrest their forward momentum and enter the box through a hole that is a tight fit.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Stunning Mike. I just showed my partner Wade your beautiful wood duck and he asked ” how much wood could a wood duck chuck if a wood duck could chuck wood?” What’s the answer?
I think I’ll duck the question for now, but be sure to thank Wade for his wise quack.
Great pose and photo. We are blessed with seeing these ducks also.
I only learned a few years ago that each species has rather exact requirements for hole size in their boxes. My aunt put up bluebird boxes for years, and never got a bird. When someone explained that her holes were too large, and she made the necessary changes: voila! Bluebirds.
I’ve never seen a wood duck in the wild. They’re just stunning, and I love the “sentry” position.
I’ve never seen a wood duck before. How amazing!
They are amazing, particularly when they are in breeding plumage like this one.
I find this bird sexy!
He is a very striking duck with all that colourful plumage. I am sure a lady duck will make eyes at him soon and come calling at his nesting box.
Definitely one of our prettiest ducks and also one of the shyest in this area. I usually see only tail feathers, so seeing him in this photo is a treat.
I agree with you completely, Allen. During breeding season especially the male wood duck is an incredible sight with its colorful plumage, though wood ducks are amazingly skittish. It was a treat to for me to get such a clear look at one of them out of the water.
Wow!!! You really outdid yourself on this one, Mike! Simply amazing.
A bit off topic from your beautiful Wood Duck, but keep a lookout for Common Green Darner Dragonflies. I read the other day that they are being seen in Maryland already :).
Have a wonderful day!
I was on the lookout for Common Green Darners and saw at least a couple of them buzzing by. Unfortunately I’m still waiting to get my first dragonfly shot of the season.