Wood Duck Obsession

 Recently, a flock of wood ducks came to Brightwood Park.  I took a count and found there to be four couples.  I wondered if because of reaching a critical mass, the ducks were much bolder than the ones I saw in the past few years.  They no longer kept a distance from me, they even stepped on shore to join geese and mallard ducks to enjoy eating grains left by visitors.  One of the male wood ducks ignored the presence of creatures bigger by one or more sizes, and stood by spreading his legs to claim his sovereignty on the new territory.  The geese and the mallard ducks appeared to be generous, and left the colorful dude alone to play Captain Preppie (in the legendary Crock comic strips by Bill Rechin).

While the pairs of the wood ducks swam in the pond, they sometimes passed by areas with red maple flowers floating.  The scene reminded me of wedding couples walking on the carpet showered with rose petals.  The ducks looked triumphant and proud, and even reciting serenade while parading.

I think I am becoming obsessed with wood ducks.  Do you agree?

One picture was taken downstream of the dam.  The foam of the water formed a pattern too pretty to be neglected.