What? In a tree?
Huh. I must have been wrong. Ducks don't land in trees. But I distinctly remember the way that they flew was very much like ducks. Maybe just some clumsy crows.
Upon closer inspection, they were indeed ducks. Wood ducks, to be precise. Well, now we can all see why they are named that.
21 comments:
Ooh! I wish I'd seen your "tree ducks" too. That is completely bizarre looking.
Great duck pics. mallards sometimes sit on our roof. jim
Oh my! They certainly are wood ducks, great shots! They do look a little awkward up there, although maybe not quite as awkward as the Great Blue Herons we see here in Redwood trees. Regardless, maybe somebody should tell those ducks they're not perching birds?
Eliza, I have seen them on the river down the hill from our house, and I do know that they nest in rotted trees, but I have never seen them LAND in a tree, on a tree branch! It was bizarre.
Jim Groble, that would be a fun picture too.
Curbstone Valley, I was astonished that I was able to get such a clear picture. That is a very tall tree, as you can see. And the framed shot in my camera screen looked like crap. But then after I clicked, the camera cleared the pic to this.
Who knew they could go in trees? How cool!
Very cool...I don't think I have ever seen a duck sitting in a tree.
GwendolynGardens, you should have seen them land - only slightly awkward; maybe even a little more graceful than a crow.
Sunny, this is my first time seeing them in trees,too! My husband said, "Oh! Is that why they call them wood ducks? I thought it was because they lived in wooded watery areas."
I have definitely never seen a duck in a tree. I wonder if their little ducky feet are different than other ducks?
Jess, I'm guessing that they must be different - more flexible and muscular. I search Google looking for more ducks-in-trees photos and photos of their feet. There aren't many, really. They show them perched in lower branches, but none looked this high up, although they do talk about them nesting 30-40ft in the trees (they take over old woodpecker homes and natural holes in trees for their nests).
Ducks in trees? Who knew? But you know maybe there's always a few ducks who just have to be a little different.
Thanks for the visit to my blog, which lead me to find yours.
I've had a hard time finding American gardening blogs that suit my taste. But yours does. It's not too serious, entertaining writing with a sense of humor and nice pictures. And there is some personal thought to it.
I'm adding myself.
Annelie
Hmm, can't see where I can follow or subscribe. Oh, well. I'll peek in later.
I do like the ducks in the tree.
Helen, I guess this is where the phrase "odd duck" comes from :)
Annelie, you've described the basics of a blog that appeals to me as well. Glad you like it. I kept this blog old-school because I like to mess around with raw HTML and despise all the widget code. I believe you can follow this blog by hitting "follow" next to the search bar in the Blogger bar at the top. If that doesn't work, you can also go into your dashboard to follow, OR/AND I am on Blotanical - Look me up :)
If you have never seen these ducks in person, they are by far one of the most beautiful native birds of North America. I feel so lucky to have them here.
Ah, you learn something everyday. Never paid attention to those words up top.
Now I'm following you. I'm on Blotainical too. :)
Sylvana- That's cool! I've never seen ducks sitting in a tree either. Thanks for the comment on my blog.
Hi Sylvana,
Greetings from Illinois, and thanks for stopping by my blog. Ducks in a tree are remarkable. Like Curbstone Valley, I've seen great Blue Herons in a tree, but never a duck. Great photos.
Annelie, thanks! I appreciate the blog love :)
Melanie, I always thought rhubarb was indestructible too! But I guess weirder things have happened - like ducks in a tree!
Adrian, we have a pair of blue herons that regularly fly over our house for some remote feeding grounds. I have seen them in trees around the river, though I've never seen them land in our trees. They look almost like dinosaurs.
What's more amazing than adult wood ducks nesting in tree cavities, is baby wood ducks leaving their nests.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/05/duck-video-1.html
Lisa & Robb, I have seen video of them dropping the 30-40 ft to the ground or water. They are so brave, and bouncy ;)
We have Wood Ducks here on the farm because it's bordered by a creek, and I was just thinking the other day that I hadn't yet seen them in a tree. lol Great shot.
Sweet Bay, the male landed further down the branch then walked up it to get to the female. I didn't get to see the whole walk as I was running to the house (behind me as I was taking this picture) to get the camera.
I feel so lucky to have them living here. I think they are one of the most beautiful birds in America. they seem so exotic!
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