Wood Duck

Description:

Males are iridescent chestnut and green, with ornate patterns on nearly every feather; the elegant females have a distinctive profile and delicate white pattern around the eye. While Georgia is supposed to be inside this duck's year-round range, this was the only day I have seen these at this particular pond all year. I believe they may have spent the summer further north and just be passing through to warmer weather.

Habitat:

Look for Wood Ducks in wooded swamps, marshes, streams, beaver ponds, and small lakes. They stick to wet areas with trees or extensive cattails. As a cavity nester, Wood Ducks take readily to nest boxes.

Notes:

Spotted in a wooded detention/retention pond in an office building complex in Kennesaw, GA