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Picture of the day -
March 23, 2007 A Wood Duck,
A Reflection... And A Precious Memory
Photo courtesy of
Winston Rockwell.
Here in southwestern Virginia, it isn't at all unusual to see wood
ducks swimming around on our rivers, ponds and streams. In fact,
when I was growing up we would see them just about every time we
hopped in our car and went for a drive through the countryside. I
remember how my dad used to point them out to us kids, telling us
he thought they were God's most beautiful waterfowl.
Dad is no longer with us, but the beautiful wood ducks that he held
in such high regard can still be seen swimming gracefully on the
waters of our region, and every time I see one I think about him.
It's been several years since dad passed away, but I still miss him
dearly. I treasure and thank God for the many ordinary things in
life - like this graceful wood duck - that spur precious memories of
my dad virtually every day.
About the photo: Frequent contributor Winston Rockwell took
today's wonderful picture of a wood duck enjoying a swim. Here is
his story behind the image:
"Wood ducks are among the prettiest of the waterfowl that inhabit
the bays and marshlands along the edges of Lake Washington, near
Seattle. They are usually shy, but along the shore of Juanita Bay
Park, a designated wildlife sanctuary, they often swim close to the
viewing areas, offering nature photographers the opportunity to
capture their color as they forage for food, engage in mating
rituals,
and rear their young.
I caught this male "woodie" in a small cove within a sheltered bay,
and he swam within 30 feet of my vantage point as he made his way
back to more open water. His plumage, the soft late afternoon light,
and his reflection in the calm water make this a special shot in my
collection."
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