The ducks were fighting the wind above the surface of Lake Superior.
Flying Into the Wind
Picture of the Day for April 10, 2023
The pond started very icy, but by the evening with the temperature reaching into the 60s, the pond’s surface finally thawed giving more room for the returning ducks to have a place to swim.
Melting Pond
Picture of the Day for May 2, 2022
This morning I had a pair of Blue-winged Teal ducks visit my pond. They are among the latest ducks to arrive in the spring and one of the first to leave in fall. They build their nests on the ground but so far the Blue-winged Teal only seem to visit my pond in the spring but don’t hang around to nest.
Visiting Blue-winged Teals
Picture of the Day for April 3, 2022
The word must have spread that the ice was off my pond as today I had seven wood ducks and a pair of geese swimming around. Although there was only one female wood duck, the colorful males sure brightened up the scene.
Wood Duck Pair
Picture of the Day for April 2, 2022
As the temperature remained above freezing last night, most of the pond ice melted which allowed some mallards to enjoy the open water today and dabbled for food. At least when the two males weren’t chasing each other as there was only one female. But it will be a couple months before any baby mallards can be spotted enjoying a swim at the pond.
Waiting for Baby Ducks
Picture of the Day for July 2, 2021
The feeding young ducks are enjoying the water and with the warm holiday weekend, there probably will be more people playing in the water too.
Feeding Ducks
Picture of the Day for March 27, 2021
The morning sun reflected off my pond as three pairs of wood ducks enjoyed the quiet scene before the rain moved in.
Morning Ducks
Picture of the Day for March 25, 2021
The ducks are returning as this morning I had a pair of mallard, a pair of wood ducks and a pair of hooded merganser on my pond at the same time. Although this evening I only saw the mallards while some deer grazed along the edge.
Ducks Coming Back
Picture of the Day for April 29, 2019
Dabbling ducks, like the Blue-winged Teals, forage in shallow waters such as flooded fields and marshes. They feed by tipping up rather than diving to reach aquatic vegetation and other food items. When taking flight, they spring into the air instead of pattering across the water.
Male Blue-winged Teals
Picture of the Day for April 8, 2019
The sixty degree day melted most of the ice off my pond and somehow the ducks knew it as a pair of mallards were swimming in the pond. Then male wood duck joined the party, although I didn’t spot a female wood duck but she could have been checking out the duck houses.
Return of the Ducks
