On Friday, we went for a ride in the car...
I choose where we were going,
Lake of the Lilies and my favorite yarn shop, Frame and Fiber.
Last time we visited the lake, I saw a Female Wood Duck,
I was sure there must be a male hanging around also, but I never saw one.
Friday, we made one lap around the lake and did not see any special ducks,
and we certainly did not see any Wood Ducks.
Second lap around and we were almost finished when I saw him...
it was a "wet your pants" moment.
I don't usually see Wood Ducks here in New Jersey,
although according to my "newer bird book", they are here year round.
I don't see them in any of my hot spots.
This was only the second time I have ever seen a male.
I love this look - when he stretches his neck up.
Photographing in to the sun, conditions were not optimal...
but it didn't matter, it was such a thrill to see him!
Lake of the Lilies and my favorite yarn shop, Frame and Fiber.
Last time we visited the lake, I saw a Female Wood Duck,
I was sure there must be a male hanging around also, but I never saw one.
Friday, we made one lap around the lake and did not see any special ducks,
and we certainly did not see any Wood Ducks.
Second lap around and we were almost finished when I saw him...
it was a "wet your pants" moment.
I don't usually see Wood Ducks here in New Jersey,
although according to my "newer bird book", they are here year round.
I don't see them in any of my hot spots.
This was only the second time I have ever seen a male.
I love this look - when he stretches his neck up.
Photographing in to the sun, conditions were not optimal...
but it didn't matter, it was such a thrill to see him!
20 comments:
There is little more spectacular than a male Wood Duck. It is not an jncommon species but it tends to hug the shoreline vegetation and it can be difficult to see, I am happy that you got to see it. Maybe it will find a mate and you will be able to see a family in the spring.
Nature dressed in formal wear :)
I love seeing wood ducks. I think these pictures are wonderful.
Nice capture. Don't know much about ducks.. but that is one good looking duck.
http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
Really beautiful creatures!
So glad you didn't give up and you saw him, I loved your wet your pants moment statement, I had one yesterday when we were out, I saw a Heron (at least it looked like one) not to far away, I brought up my camera and thought I was taking a picture but had my camera set to record and I couldn't figure out after one picture why it wasn't working, then he flew away. That duck is just gorgeous and even with the sun you did a wonderful job capturing him!!
A beauty indeed. I can understand your excitement!
Congrats! It took me *forever* to find my first male wood duck , though my western states bird book says the same thing yours does about your area. So then I finally finally saw one in Oregon one summer ... and then the next season down here in Florida we did a trip to a State Park where we saw dozens. I was thrilled beyond reason! And could never see too many, but that first one in Oregon will always be the most exciting.
Why, he came out just so you could photograph him. Isn't he a beauty! How exciting for you.
This is such a gorgeous duck.I see them every year, but still get excited about them every time.
You got amazing photos of this beautiful bird! We saw some over the weekend here in FL but they were tucked back in a dark place in the swamp and hard to photograph. A lady walked up and asked us what they were. They don't look real, do they? Hugs!
And I am thrilled to see these amazing photos of your prize sighting!!
no wonder you like to see those wood ducks....they sure ARE GORGEOUS! Glad you had a sighting, and got some great pictures! I was reading my new issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine yesterday evening and about lily pad flowers and growing water lilies, something we tried last summer, and FAILED...BUT we're going to give it another go this year!!--- and there was a short thing about Longwood Gardens, I immediately recognized it as that beautiful place you take us to from time to time! I never would've known that if not for blogging and how much we learn from each other about our different regions, etc.! It said that y'all have water lilies from around the world there in the pools at Longwood.Hope your week is going well so far!
I MISSED THE PREVIOUS POST!!--oh my gosh, one of my all time favorites. Girlfriend you never cease to amaze me with your beautiful bird photography. I love September and October best, and November! All bright and colorful! Your photos are so pretty, do you print them and put any up in your home or use them anywhere? Gosh if I was that good, I would have those in frames in our living room or dining room, or SOMEWHERE!
AND I LOVED JUNE!!!all that lime green color!!!!!!
A gorgeous looking bird Debbie
Beautiful and you'd never guess that it's winter time! Your weather looks wonderful.
Congratulations! They are beautiful ducks and one of my favorites! Unfortunately, I don't see them in our area.
The best part of your blog is that I can hear your voice telling this story when I read your words! He is very handsome. Glad you got to see one!
So pleased that your got to see and photograph this beautiful duck.
All the best Jan
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