The three male Wood Ducks that have been in our local marsh pond this summer were joined by a female last week. All four were convoying together yesterday.
Their feathers have grown back from the summer molt, which makes the stark difference between the sexes quite apparent. The red-eyed males look like they’re coming home late, still in their Mardi Gras costumes:
The females look like they’re attending a business conference, where their subdued suits are offset by sexy Cleopatra eye makeup.
These birds likely will migrate soon, pair in the winter, and mate in early spring. (Brooklin, Maine)