
In recent years I’ve had trouble photographing wood ducks. In brief, they move out of my camera’s focus with great ease, or so it seems to me. That ended yesterday when I was finally able to get close to a wood duck at a Sacramento pond. It was my third day of visiting this spot, so maybe trust had been established between me and this one wood duck.

Here is a little backstory. Ten years ago I went to the Great Swamp, a federal nature preserve in New Jersey, that had a an area set up to attract wood ducks. I huddled in a duck blind, sensing this was going to be a photo fest. Ah, but after two days and no woodies, I left with shots of the common mallard and nothing else. A bust. Yesterday was vindication of sorts. I got the shots finally of what I believe is one of nature’s greatest works in terms of color and design.
What can be said of an old guy who marvels at a photo opp well done? For me taking photos is part of establishing a peaceful balance in life. I could be at the mall, or in a traffic jam, but instead, I choose to engage with the wonders of wildlife–time invested in inner calmness that will be taxed later by the negative forces of everyday living. Peace.
Congratulation with a great shot, Steffen. It does look painted 😎🦆😊
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Thank you.
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