This was my first time photographing wood ducks. My good friend and wildlife photographer, Harry Collins, knew this small park in Pennsylvania where they arrive at the tail end of winter. Normally wood ducks can be very shy and quite elusive, but here they seem more tolerant of people. We set up in waders in the water with our cameras and lenses inches from the water. After a couple of hours, the wood ducks became more comfortable with our presence. Some were floating by a few feet away. What a wonderful sight to see these spectacular colors. Most ducks were already paired up when they arrived. Wood ducks are one of the few duck species with strong claws that can grip bark and perch on branches. They nest high up in tree cavities. The ducklings can jump from heights above fifty feet without injury. This was definitely a most enjoyable day. We plan to return, hopefully to catch some babies.
RTY Photography Blog 
You’ve taken my breath away with these. Such gorgeous colors. Great captures!
You’ve sure had an extremely productive winter, Ray. Gorgeous work!!! Wonder where these will end up being shown? (publishing, special exhibit(s), etc. etc.) All best wishes.
Hope you got my msg. Sun. Nite about the American bald eagle nest on access road by lake to IFF facilities on the Raritan Bay….atop the cell tower, off Rt. 36 No. Thought of you immediately when there.
Best regards,
marion
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Especially appreciate seeing the photos of the wood ducks, as Mark had always told me about them and just assumed I knew and had seen one, which I never did. Yours are especially beautiful and well composed with gorgeous colors. Thank You. Love the owls too…… what a rare experience!!!! and to have captured them with your camera. Expect your work to be in Audubon Magazine (my sister in Kensington MD is very active with them there). She, an artist-painter, when not working her regular job and volunteering for Audubon on weekends.
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Thanks so much, Marion.