I’ve never seen a photo of a hybrid Wood Duck – Mallard. Mallards do hybridize with American black ducks, gadwalls and pintails among others but I have never heard of a successful hybridization with a Wood Duck.
Every year however, there are reports of female mallards who pair off with male Wood Ducks.
I took some photos of just such a pairing one sunny April day and, perhaps because it was spring, I couldn’t resist giving them some human sentiments.
He: “Look. I know that I don’t look anything like the guys that her girlfriends hang out with.”
She: “He’s a little small it’s true. But get a good look at his outfit!”
He and She: “A lot of people say that we should get more focused!”
He and She: “But we figure that life comes only once and you can’t control who you fall in love with.”
He: “Look at that gorgeous profile. I love her feathers!”
She: ‘Those red eyes SEND me!!”
He: “I can’t take my eyes off her!”
She: “Let’s go and spend some quality time together!”
He: ‘Baby…I’m all yours!”
Miles Hearn