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The wood ducks have returned to the North Shore lakes and ponds. I have a blind set up on one pond and really enjoy spending the early morning hours in the blind. Several species of wildlife are active at this time and I hear owls, drumming grouse, song birds and frogs. Lots of frogs. The wood ducks come flying in about 4:45 AM so you have to get in the blind early.

This week about a dozen male wood ducks were hanging around one female. It made for lots of commotion as the males were vying for the female’s attention.

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Wood Duck 002

Wood ducks are the most colorful duck in our area and when the morning light hits their feathers they just shine.

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This was my favorite photo of the morning.

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Wood Duck 004

Several males stretched their wings doing this little dance on the water.

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Drops of water fly when they do their dance.

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Wood Duck 006

Wood ducks spend as much time on land and in trees as they do in the water. They roost in trees at night. They have a nick-name called the tree duck.

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