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