I love Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa), but haven’t seen any for quite some time. I was therefore really happy when I spotted this pair swimming in the distance in a creek at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge earlier this week.
The male Wood Duck, as shown in the first image, is one of the most colorful and distinctively patterned birds in our area—there is no other bird that looks even vaguely similar. The duck stopped swimming for just a moment and I was able to capture this shot of him getting a drink of water.
The female Wood Duck shown in the second image is not quite as colorful as her male counterpart, but has an equally distinctive look with her windswept “hair” and prominent white eye ring.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
The bottom picture looks like he was just startled by how cold the water is.
The water is still as glass – I don’t expect it looks like that today. Are you getting a lot of rain?
We have had a good deal of rain off and on most of today, with occasional torrential downpours.
The only duck more beautiful than this is a Mandarin Duck. Thank you for taking and sharing the image of this gorgeous bird!
Thanks, Nina. I have seen photos of the Mandarin Duck, but have yet to see one in person. I think I would need to travel a bit to see one.
Both nice shots, Mike!
Thanks, Ellen. In other places I can get closer to the ducks, but in this particular location I have to be content with long distance shots.
Love those male ducks! So attractive.