As I was making my way to the start of the boardwalk at Huntley Meadows Park early on Monday morning, a helpful birder pointed through the trees to a pair of Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) that appeared to be seeking a nesting cavity. The female kept moving among the trees, but the male stayed still for a moment and let me get this long-distance shot.
It’s pretty unusual to see ducks in a tree and generally I know they are in the trees only when I hear them flying away. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology website notes that Wood Ducks “are one of the few duck species equipped with strong claws that can grip bark and perch on branches.” This spring I have noted Wood Ducks checking out nesting boxes at the park, but perhaps this couple prefers a more natural birthing experience (or maybe all of the nesting boxes are being used by other Wood Ducks or Hooded Mergansers).
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Great shot!
When we lived in Little Falls, NJ, our house back up to Mills Reservation. Just beyond the reservation was a reservoir for the Newark water system. I once saw a small group of ducks fly by and land in the trees. I was surprised and amazed. They were too far away to see what kind of ducks they were.
The wild turkeys also liked to hang out in the trees. Again amazing as they are so big. Hikers beware!!!!!
Wonderful capture….lovely colours…
Thanks. It was pretty early in the morning and the light was limited. so I was happy to capture any kind of image. There is a kind of peaceful feel to the image that I really like.