My First Meeting with a Wood Duck

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ke off, but to my advantage, he landed in a nearby tree where the fog seemed to disappear for a few moments. Strange, yes, but there he was, clinging to the tree. Showing off his vibrant colors.</p><figure id="5a3d"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*50awldvtMx1CoyE6Ps-ylA.jpeg"><figcaption>© Deborah Kunzie Photographer</figcaption></figure><p id="1ad1">With its unmistakable iridescence and unique markings, the Wood Duck stands out as a captivating resident of Florida’s marshy habitats. These ducks are not only admired for their stunning plumage but also for their elusive and secretive nature, making them a thrilling sight for birdwatchers and photographers.</p><p id="b22b">Florida provides an ideal haven for Wood Ducks, offering a mosaic of freshwater ponds, cypress swamps, and slow-flowing rivers that perfectly suit their preferences. During breeding season, it is not uncommon to find them perched high in a Cypress tree, but their preference is tree cavities.</p><figure id="5539"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*hM2hZBkd572RVjUhJlmu_g.jpeg"><figcaption>© Deborah Kunzie Photographer</figcaption></figure><p id="3e5e">But just like that, I added another fine avian species to my catalog. Nature is always giving and generously sha

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ring its wonder and beauty with those who pause to appreciate the gift.</p><div id="b661" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-making-of-a-nature-photographer-b1cf195b1ef6"> <div> <div> <h2>The Making of a Nature Photographer</h2> <div><h3>My childhood was blessed.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*QAgGTtd9lFsY6qbFqpM3iQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="c8fe" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/rituals-require-skill-c765329272cb"> <div> <div> <h2>Rituals Require Skill</h2> <div><h3>“Rituals require skill if a thing is to be done well. Consider for a moment if you will the rituals of the Hooded…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*QnbVKsZLSB6OIVGGD_ywGw.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

My First Meeting with a Wood Duck

As a bird photographer, the thrill of spotting a new species always adds an extra layer of excitement to my day.

On this particular morning, the fog was thick, creating an ethereal atmosphere around the wetlands. I moved quietly through the brush, my camera resting over my shoulder, ready to capture whatever avian subjects revealed about themselves in the mist.

All was quiet except for the sound of water droplets falling from the leaves to the ground.

As I approached the bridge that joins two areas of the marsh together, I noticed an object sitting on the railing, but the fog was so thick it took a few minutes before I could figure out what I was seeing.

There he was, sitting quietly on the rail, a Wood Duck. A species I hadn’t encountered before.

I slowly moved my camera from my shoulder to my eye, adjusting the settings, knowing this would be a challenging attempt. I was trying hard not to disturb the creature.

Within seconds, he decided to take off, but to my advantage, he landed in a nearby tree where the fog seemed to disappear for a few moments. Strange, yes, but there he was, clinging to the tree. Showing off his vibrant colors.

With its unmistakable iridescence and unique markings, the Wood Duck stands out as a captivating resident of Florida’s marshy habitats. These ducks are not only admired for their stunning plumage but also for their elusive and secretive nature, making them a thrilling sight for birdwatchers and photographers.

Florida provides an ideal haven for Wood Ducks, offering a mosaic of freshwater ponds, cypress swamps, and slow-flowing rivers that perfectly suit their preferences. During breeding season, it is not uncommon to find them perched high in a Cypress tree, but their preference is tree cavities.

But just like that, I added another fine avian species to my catalog. Nature is always giving and generously sharing its wonder and beauty with those who pause to appreciate the gift.