Wood Ducks

The Wood Duck is one of the most stunningly pretty of all waterfowl. Males are iridescent chestnut and green, with ornate patterns on nearly every feather; the elegant females have a distinctive profile and delicate white pattern around the eye. They are one of the few duck species equipped with strong claws that can grip bark and perch on branches.The Wood Duck nests in trees near water, sometimes directly over water, but other times over a mile away. After hatching, the ducklings jump down from the nest tree and make their way to water. The mother calls them to her, but does not help them in any way. The ducklings may jump from heights of over 50 feet without injury.
When females begin incubation, the male abandons the female and clutch and forms flocks with other males. By mid-summer the molting process begins for the male. The male loses his flight feathers all at the same time. This means they cannot fly and are at high risk of predation. During this time they move into remote places that are full of tall reeds where they can hide. This molting process takes up to four weeks. The male will have a more drab appearance and look similar to the female but maintaining bill color.

"First photo was taken at North Tazewell (Clinch River) on March 14, 2015 (migration arrival). The second photo was taken at Burkes Garden (Gose Mill Pond) on June 27, 2015. Note: In the 2nd photo's lower row, the second duck from the left is an example of a male in full molt."