Wood Duck Attacked at Wooton Wetlands Preserve.

I decided to give Wooton another chance this morning, and it turned out well. In most cases I walk the entire loop, but this morning I did well by staying on the lower part of the loop, near the ponds. I’m not at all sure what could have attacked a Wood Duck (Snapping Turtle?) but there was a lot of drama involved, as well as loud honking and splashing water. I also saw a Great Egret and a tiny fawn, who didn’t stay long enough for a picture.

Wood Duck

Wood Duck
Wood Duck

Wood Duck

This Wood Duck may have been lucky to escape her mysterious attacker. (The consensus opinion is that it was a Snapping Turtle.)

Blue Gray Gnatcatcher

Blue Gray Gnatcatchers don’t often pause while they’re feeding.



Ruby Throated Hummingbird

Ruby Throated Hummingbird

This Ruby Throated Hummingbird is still hanging out at the same perch between feedings.

Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

This Prothonotary Warbler appears to have a nest out in the pond.

Great Crested Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

This Great Crested Flycatcher flew into the scene while I was photographing another bird.

Yellow Breasted Chat

You can hear the song of the Yellow Breasted Chat everywhere you go at Wooton, but getting them into the open isn’t always easy.

Orchard Oriole

This juvenile Orchard Oriole may be practicing his mating song.

Common Yellowthroat

This Common Yellowthroat Warbler was the first bird I saw this morning.