Field Note: Adult Male Wood Duck

Adult Male Wood Ducks are recognized by their stunning natural beauty with vibrant patterns of metallic green, blue, and purple hues outlined by contrasting white feathers. This distinctively brilliant coloration serves the purpose of attracting a mate.

The close up image of an adult male wood duck displayed here is currently in the eclipse phase of shedding its feathers. Over a 3 to 4 week period during late summer the adult male wood duck changes how it appears and behaves. Flightless at this time of molting they are unable to avoid danger by taking flight and their more muted plumage serve as an essential protective camouflage from predation.

Adult Males Wood Duck During Late Summer Eclipse Phase

 

Location Details & Camera Settings

Lake Rebecca Park Reserve is described as a gently rolling big woods landscape with many wetland areas that includes Lake Rebecca. The reserve is a scenic natural environment for wildlife viewing and has numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding. Lake Rebecca is a 254-Acre body of water that often sees limited power boat activity and is suitable for a variety of paddle sports such as canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Camera Settings: Sony A7 IV - Focal Length 500 mm - Shutter Speed 1 /500 Sec - Aperture f/6.7 - ISO 2000