Wood Duck Fast Action

Here's the thing. My area is not on a main bird flyway. We don't see large numbers of migrating birds, and in the woods along the river where I photograph, there are very seldom any people. The birds are not acclimated to seeing humans.

 

Among the most skittish, and habitat-aware are the Wood Ducks. We have a small number of them for most of the year, but away from human contact. It is a significant challenge to get near to them before they leap in to the air and fly away, crying like babies.

 

I spotted this one, along with its mate swimming ahead, from quite a distance...knowing where to look. Too far to get anything but a back end shot, I began paralleling them, staying far enough away -- hopefully -- to keep from scaring them before I could get an opportunity.

 

We had moved far enough that I knew they were about to turn a direction I couldn't continue following. I stepped into the open, and got a few shots of this Drake. As soon as I did, the hen took off, followed immediately by this guy.

 

In the top comment box you can see how quickly they rocket into the air away from whatever startles them. Please check it out larger.

Done