tags: Northern cardinal, Aix sponsa, birds, NYC, Central Park, Image of the Day
Male wood duck, Aix sponsa, in Central Park, NYC.
Image: Bob Levy, author of Club George. [wallpaper size].
The photographer writes: I was so lucky to get this shot that I had to create an entirely new file for it. After sunset, I started on my way home down the path along the Riviera (i.e. a section of the northern shore of Central Park Lake). I noticed a group of Mallards coming out of the water. They began to forage along the shoreline where they were joined by a male Wood Duck. Only a few Wood Ducks -- if any -- come to the Lake during fall migration. They have been known to stay the winter if the water does not freeze. This season's lone bird is likely the same fellow that has been spotted by many birders near the western end of the Point (i.e. a peninsula on the southeastern end of Central Park Lake).
My own sightings have been from a considerable distance but last evening I found myself standing about six feet away from this impossibly beautiful creature. Maddeningly, the Wood Duck kept behind the foliage obstructing my view, but for a few seconds it stepped out into the open allowing me to get this shot. This will be the first image to be stored in my "Lucky Duck" file named in its honor.
TodayI took a trip again to Central Park to see "Woody" and found him in the resevoir's north end hanging out with a group of mallards. I am so happy to see him featured so prominently on your website. Thanks so much! It's like seeing a good friend doing well.
Rob I did not know Woody had gone north. Thanks for the information. I will be looking for him.
I saw that picture and thought that it can't be for real. Obviously it is and stunning to boot.
Chris, my bird-watching occurs mostly in Central Park where sightings of Wood Ducks are not that common. When we find them there are usaully only a handful. Woody, for example, is the only one I know of so far this year. Each time I encounter a Wood Duck I am struck by the same sensation you experienced looking at the photo: it's hard to believe it's for real. Of course, thank goodness, it is. Ain't nature wonderful?