Wood Duck

The colorful male Wood Duck, Aix sponsa, is a favorite down at Burnt Bridges.  These two shots were taken about 4 years apart.  I don't know if it is the same individual or not.  They always appear to have been hand painted.  I keep telling myself I need to put a nest box down ther, but I seem to forget it until it is too late.  They are known to nest as high as 30 to 40 feet over the water.  The babies leave the nest a day after hatching, plopping down into the water unharmed and ready to follow mama.