Love in the Pond: a Wood Duck and Mallard Romance

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."

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!"

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: “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 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!"

He: “Look at that gorgeous profile. I love her feathers!”

She: Those red eyes SEND me!!"

She: ‘Those red eyes SEND me!!”

He: "I can't take my eyes off her!"

He: “I can’t take my eyes off her!”

She: "Let's go and spend some quality time together!"

She: “Let’s go and spend some quality time together!”

He: Baby...I'm all yours!"

He: ‘Baby…I’m all yours!”

Miles Hearn

 

3 thoughts on “Love in the Pond: a Wood Duck and Mallard Romance

  1. Pingback: Adopting a Family for the Winter: December 21, 2022 | Miles Hearn

  2. Lisa Volkov

    What delightful, heartwarming stories (and pictures) for the holidays, with a great “spirit of love” message! It sure put a smile on my face. I guess we can expect even more hybrids down the line!

    Reply
  3. Gina

    I agree with Lisa. Thank you for your post especially during our holiday season. Your sentiments are perfect example of the love that is so lucky to experience. ❤️

    Reply

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