Wood Ducks on the Wissahickon Creek

Wissahickon Creek near Valley Green Inn - part of Fairmount Park, Philadelphia - probably the best place anywhere to see Wood Ducks.

These gorgeous ducks are secretive, wary, and often elusive when they are in the north and on their breeding grounds. But along the Wissahickon in March (and again in November) they are close, and visible, though still quite wary.

This time of year they are also active as the drakes compete with one another for the attentions of the hens.

Here are few samples from today, a delightful Spring day, made the more so by the entertainment provided by the Woodies.