In most parts of Ontario, Wood Ducks will flee at the first hint of human beings. You have to be fortunate to get a distant photo like this:

Perhaps this is due to the time in the early 1900’s when it was considered an endangered species because of over hunting.

Today, in High Park, a gorgeous female flew out the pond and landed on a railing close to me:

Years of living in the park with its many human visitors and, perhaps, learning from their trusting neighbours the Mallards, Wood Ducks here allow very close approach.

Other birds:

Last week, we saw Purple Martins nesting in a broken light fixture:

This week, the pole and light are gone and the martins are nesting in the bird house:

Today’s group:

NATURE POETRY

Sometimes at night the crickets stop
Their chirping, and I know
The things that hunt by moonlight
Are prowling there below.                         – Benjamin Rice (1903–78)

Miles Hearn