Wood Ducks

Spring is an exciting time of year in the Midwest i.e. bird migration. The warblers haven't quite made it yet but the water fowl are here in full force. North of Charleston is a slough built some time ago with approx. 20 acres of water and in close proximity to Interstate 57. In the last two days, we have counted 15 species of ducks, 2 species of geese and 1 species of swan. The ducks are in their most magnificent of colors so, if possible, get your binoculars and head for a lake, a pond, or river. Pictured are Wood Ducks. So gorgeous! Actually taking these photos is a real experience. To see the ducks, geese and swans without disturbing them, you have to scramble up a huge embankment, lay down on your tummy before you reach the top and then crawl the rest of the way to the top of the hill. You can't let any of the waterfowl see you at all or they all take flight. Then, you have to just barely raise your head to view them. You have to photograph them through a lot of grasses and while not moving or lifting your head very far off the ground. Talk about a pain in the neck! The variety is so spectacular and the birds so beautiful, it is so worth it!