In Search of the Elusive Stars of Toddville, Part II

This past Sunday, Keith and I headed out in search of the wood duck (Aix sponsa). We are determined this year to see one. Supposedly, there are over a million birds in the Atlantic Flyway zone, so one would think we’d have no problem finding one of them.

We headed out towards Le Compte Wildlife Management Area. We found one small pond and one manmade duck nest. No wood ducks. We drove through the whole area keeping our eyes peeled in the trees and on the water. We saw a couple of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and that was it in ducks. Over a million wood ducks and we can’t find one.

Keith asked some people at work, who were born and raised on the Shore, if they ever saw a wood duck. Not one of the three or four people he asked ever saw one. We’re beginning to think the wood duck is a public relations ploy to lure bird watchers here, but the duck really doesn’t exist.

The whole day wasn’t a total loss, though. We did see a barred owl (Strix varia) and six or seven female wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

The owl flew up from the side of the road and onto a tree limb about ten feet off of the ground. It had its back to us, but we stared at it through our binoculars. It turned its head to face us as if to say, “What are you staring at?” After a couple of minutes, it flew about six feet further from us to a higher branch. We continued watching it. Again, it turned its head as if to say, “What’s your problem?”

We left it alone and continued on. A few miles down the road, we came across the turkeys. They scattered every which way to get out of the road. None of them really seemed sure which way to go and often changed their mind. We stopped as the last couple of birds finally decided which way to disappear into the woods.

Next weekend, we’ll once again head out to find a wood duck. If anyone out there knows where we can see one in its native habitat, please let us know. Gas is getting expensive and we want to see one before they lose their mating plumage.

© 2007
Mark Darien
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