Ducks in Trees

Wood duck in tree. Ridge Hill Reservation, Needham, MA

I know they're called "wood ducks" but I will never get used to seeing them in trees.

Wood duck in tree. Ridge Hill Reservation, Needham, MA

As if they were some sort of perching bird.

Wood duck in tree. Ridge Hill Reservation, Needham, MA

Today I couldn't tell if they were scouting for holes or competing for mates, or both.

Wood duck in tree. Ridge Hill Reservation, Needham, MA

I discovered a pileated woodpecker on the Chestnut Trail this morning, not far from where I spotted one last week. Hear it drumming below.


If the pileateds are breeding at Ridge Hill there will be nesting cavities for wood ducks.