It’s really true that we are at home in the Sunshine State for the season -- and I'm taking a break from posting about our sea-to-sea journey to get here in order to show some "natural Florida." These pictures were all taken on last week’s car excursion to the Crystal River area. It's a couple hundred miles from our 'Canal Cottage'.
There were a LOT of wood ducks on the river! I was so excited. This beautiful duck had been on my birding wish list for a long time . A couple of years ago, I finally did see one in Oregon and then another off in the distance near Fort Myers -- but both were very long-distance views. So then my wish-list changed from 'see a wood duck' to 'get a good picture of a wood duck.'
This is the way we spotted them at first -- and I was pretty happy just to witness this interesting vignette. Mr and Mrs Wood Duck were swimming along with a mallard -- which seems huge in comparison. We watched the trio for a while and then walked on -- and that was when I spotted some more of these ducks up closer. While we were watching them (the first picture here was taken then) the trio came along again going the other way. They seemed happy to be together -- we spotted them a few more times as we explored. Kind of made us wonder what that was all about.
We saw tons of other birds -- including pretty much every species of Heron known in these parts. Here are a few of them. I'll probably post more pictures of at least some of these guys again -- and I will definitely be showing pictures later of some other amazing birds we saw at Homosassa State Park during this trip .....
.... but today's post is really all about the Wood Duck. I feel like I can definitely check this bird off my wish list now, because I honestly don't think I could possibly get any better pictures of one. But I’ll certainly never get tired of seeing these beautiful birds and I hope we get to see them again.
Grateful for the opportunity to see these wonderful birds and thankful to be where it's warm and sunny this time of year. Thank you for visiting our FullTime-Life. Special thanks to the hosts of these sharing opportunities: SATURDAY CRITTERS; NATURE NOTES; ALL SEASONS; OUR WORLD on Tuesday; THROUGH MY LENS; WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY; Wednesday AROUND THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY; and RATHER B'BIRDING.
So many great posts and photos.. Thank you
Posted by: Joe Todd | March 02, 2018 at 07:05 AM
I am so excited to see your wood ducks! Beautiful photos. Wood ducks are on my wish-to-see list. They've been spotted during migration here in the Chicago area, but, I never seem to be near at the right time.
Posted by: Penny | January 16, 2018 at 06:40 PM
You know how much I love the wood duck Sallie... Michelle
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | January 07, 2018 at 03:46 PM
LOVE the portraits of the wood duck Sallie!!
Thanks so much for sharing this post with us birders at I'd Rather B Birdin' this weekend. I hope to see you often throughout 2018!!
Posted by: Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin' | January 07, 2018 at 02:21 AM
Hello Sallie. I wondered where you had been. It's been that time of year to meet up with everyone but also miss some people in the never ending season of Christmas and New Year. I hope you're keeping safe from all that extreme weather I'm reading about, the latest zero temperatures in Florida and geckos falling out out trees in the zero temps?
I always imagined Wood Duck to be rather large so am I am a little surpised by your description of them as small, even tiny. Never mind, at last you met up with real rather than "plastic" ones.
Posted by: Phil | January 06, 2018 at 10:49 AM
i have only seen the wood ducks once and what a thrill. of course the boys are prettier but the girls were sweet as well!! you did see and photograph a lot of pretty birds, many thanks for sharing them. i have not left the house since new years eve and i enjoyed this little nature excursion!!!
Posted by: Debbie | January 06, 2018 at 08:45 AM
The last picture is wonderful ! Such beautiful colors !
Posted by: Gattina | January 06, 2018 at 03:08 AM
Mr and Mrs Wood ducks enjoy their days.
Especially in this festive season.
With Alice around.
And.....
Luke Skywalker!
:-)
Posted by: D | January 05, 2018 at 10:52 PM
What lovely shots! And it looks so lovely and warm!
Posted by: Lady Fi | January 04, 2018 at 11:16 PM
They are beautiful! Thanks for linking up today and have a GREAT weekend!
Posted by: Michelle | January 04, 2018 at 03:49 PM
Very Pretty ! Happy NEw YEar!
Posted by: kelleyn | January 04, 2018 at 07:57 AM
I enjoyed looking at all the birds, so pretty. I hope you're having a nice start to 2017.
Amalia
xo
Posted by: handmade by amalia | January 04, 2018 at 02:42 AM
What a fabulous trip that was, Sallie. The Herons and the Wood ducks would have made my day - but maybe not the Mallard as they are one of our most common birds!
With my best wishes for 2018 - - - Richard
Posted by: Richard Pegler | January 04, 2018 at 02:42 AM
Really pretty duck! We have ducks locally but not wood ducks.
Posted by: Linja in Virginia | January 03, 2018 at 09:14 PM
I hope you had a lovely Christmas, Sallie and that 2018 will be a happy and healthy one! Hope the winter storm won't affect your area.
Posted by: Pat | January 03, 2018 at 08:00 PM
I love this wood duck, It is soooo beautiful. Natures work of art!
Wishing you a Happy New Year
Posted by: NatureFootstep PhotoArt | January 03, 2018 at 02:53 PM
Happy New Year! What a thrill to photograph the wood duck and that last shot is just perfect!
Frame it!
Posted by: Christine | January 03, 2018 at 10:33 AM
The Wood Duck is fantastic, you photographed him excellently, cheers Sallie.
Posted by: Bob Bushell | January 03, 2018 at 01:00 AM
Wow, beautiful pics of the wood ducks. Glad you were able to check him off of your list. Happy New Year.
Posted by: Judy Biggerstaff | January 02, 2018 at 10:10 PM
They are handsome, these wood ducks. For a moment, I wondered if they were wooden ducks. I'd love to see them in person too. Happy New Year, Sallie!
Posted by: Su-sieee! Mac | January 02, 2018 at 12:40 PM
Happy happy New Year. All the best for 2018
Worth a Thousand Words
Posted by: Photo Cache | January 02, 2018 at 12:08 PM
Such a handsome looking duck. There is one on the river near our house that has escaped from someones private collection.
Posted by: FIndlay Wilde | January 02, 2018 at 10:47 AM
Looks lovely and warm!
Posted by: Lady Fi | January 02, 2018 at 09:07 AM
Happy New Year Sallie...
I love those Wood Ducks!
It's been a good while since I have seen any here.
Enjoy the warmth of Florida.
We have 9'here this day!
Posted by: Mary Howell Cromer | January 02, 2018 at 08:37 AM
Happy New Year to you and yours, Sallie! Glad as always you’re sharing your world. Oh, what lovely colors and patterns! You’ve gotten the perfect shots. The male in particular is a work of art and has every right to preen and show off its glorious feathers. We see a lot of these waterfowl certain times of the year on the West Coast but never tire of their easy going dispositions and natural beauty.
Posted by: Penelope Puddlisms | January 02, 2018 at 06:28 AM
LOVE your last capture of the wood duck the most - wow, a marvelous capture, Sallie! And so many other birds - it must have been your day:):)
Happy you for "warmed up" to All Seasons and have been a constant presence every since!
Wishing you come across every good thing on your way in this New Year - happy wishes for 2018 to you and your family! Have a lovely week!
Posted by: jesh StG | January 01, 2018 at 02:47 PM
Your first photo is outstanding - gorgeous birds.
Posted by: Carol | January 01, 2018 at 02:32 PM
Seeing the wood duck next to the mallard gives me a good idea of its size.They are colourful, wonderful creatures.
Posted by: Fun60 | January 01, 2018 at 01:55 PM
Your wood duck is beautiful. I am pretty sure that I have never seen one.
Posted by: Yogi | January 01, 2018 at 01:34 PM
It's a bird lover's paradise there. I love the way the ducks are outlined in black.
Posted by: Colleen LOOSELEAFNOTES | December 31, 2017 at 01:33 PM
We love that area and really enjoyed your photos. The last time we were there, we rode the river and saw so many beautiful and interesting things. Happy New Year, my friend!
Posted by: Lowell | December 31, 2017 at 12:07 PM
Happy New Year!
We only see the Wood Ducks in conservation centres or similar.
Posted by: Hazel | December 30, 2017 at 11:45 PM
Beautiful birds and beautiful photo,s of them. THE Colors are so bright. happy New Year Sally.
Posted by: Riet | December 30, 2017 at 10:00 PM
Neat shots of the wood duck! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Linja in Virginia | December 30, 2017 at 09:35 PM
Sallie - congrats on fulfilling a long-term wish! I am sure you were doing a little happy dance ... after you got your shots! The colors are so vibrant and well-defined - it almost doesn't seem real. Thanks for sharing this with us - and Happy New Year!
Posted by: Angie | December 30, 2017 at 07:34 PM
I'm loving all the colours I"m seeing!
Posted by: Amy | December 30, 2017 at 05:46 PM
What a beauty! The wood duck is like the Cary Grant of the duck world eh...all those good looks! I'd say you got your wish! Will look forward to hearing about Homosassa.
Posted by: Sondra | December 30, 2017 at 04:57 PM
Awesome sighting! I've never seen a Wood duck. They are marvelously colorful. How interesting they were hanging out with the solo mallard.
Posted by: Gaelyn | December 30, 2017 at 04:51 PM
They really do look like they've been painted by an artist, don't they? Beautiful photos! And we live just East of Crystal River and love to spend time there! It's a beautiful weekend! ENJOY! Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | December 30, 2017 at 04:47 PM
I had a blog friend from Nebraska who always got wood ducks at her pond. I love seeing them. They're pretty but also kind of wacky looking! Glad you're safely at your winter canal home. It's blowing here in CO! Happy 2018!
Posted by: Barb | December 30, 2017 at 12:32 PM
They look like a painting. Cool!
Posted by: Linda | December 30, 2017 at 09:49 AM
Good morning! Those wood duck photos really are spectacular. Love their coloring. It's great that you make the most of your winter home and your summer home, too. A very Happy New Year to you and yours!
Posted by: ellen b | December 30, 2017 at 09:20 AM
Good morning Sallie: I think that this stellar sighting of the Wood Duck is an augury for 2018 when all your wishes will come true! May I wish you happiness, laughter and good health. I will look forward to staying in touch.
Posted by: David Gascoigne | December 30, 2017 at 08:52 AM
The wood duck is a beautiful sight to see. I've only seen them once here- it's likely that they prefer the countryside to being around the city.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: William Kendall | December 30, 2017 at 07:41 AM
Beautiful Wood Duck!
I would be very excited to see one
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Lea @ Lea's Menagerie | December 30, 2017 at 05:01 AM
Hello Sallie, you have some beautiful shots of the Wood Ducks. The male is a beauty! Love the herons too. Great photos, I believe we visited that park also, it was nice. Thanks so much for linking up and sharing your post. I Have appreciated all your visits and comments on my blog in 2017. I wish you all the best in 2018, Happy New Year. Have a happy weekend!
Posted by: Eileen | December 30, 2017 at 04:27 AM
I always enjoy your photos of the critters you find on your trips. I hope the New Year brings you lots of great things to show us!!
Posted by: bettyl - NZ | December 29, 2017 at 11:00 PM
Beautiful ducks and so good to get such great photos. I must admit though that I always have a little chuckle because your wood ducks are so very different from ours out here - but yours are much prettier!!
Posted by: mick | December 29, 2017 at 10:41 PM
They are so colourful and look like they have been painted. Glad you got your wish. Great shots too.
Posted by: diane | December 29, 2017 at 10:28 PM
Oh how envious I am!! The wood duck is still on my want to see list!! Such a beauty!!
Posted by: Florence | December 29, 2017 at 07:42 PM
Aren't they amazing? We hatched 12 this past year. I miss them. You take good care of them!
Posted by: Jennifer Jilks | December 29, 2017 at 06:22 PM