Documentation of
Wood Duck
2025-002
Observer Information
Reporter:
Kin DuBois
6070 Crestbrook Drive,
Morrison,
CO 80465
E-mail:
Kin.dubois@comcast.net
Other Observers:
None
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Wood Duck
First Date/Time:
4/29/2025 2:20:00 PM
Last Date/Time:
4/29/2025 2:25:00 PM
Duration (total time in view):
5 minutes
County:
Arapahoe
Specific Location:
Littleton
Number:
2
Age:
Adult
Sex:
Male
Plumage:
Breeding
Habitat
Pond with reeds, between South Platte Greenway and golf course
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
iPhone and eyes
Distance:
60 feet
Light:
Excellent
Description of the Bird
I was out for an after-lunch walk on the Platte Greenway. The river was full of Mallards and Canada Geese, but when I got to this pond there were several nice ducks paddling idly: the Wood Duck I’ve noted here; a male Cinnamon Teal (hard to miss),a Ring-Necked Duck (hard to miss the white band on the beak, and a pair of Buffleheads (pretty common but they should be heading north. I took several photos with my iPhone but they are not great. I’ve seen these birds before but never together like this! P.s. I’ve just joined your CFO site, but I’ve been birding all my life.
Similar Species Discussion
Harlequin Duck, but I saw many in Iceland last June and they are too blueish.Blue Winged Teal have white on the side of the head but not nearly as much white patterning or russet breast. The easily-identified Cinnamon Teal nearby was just slightly shorter, good for size comparison. The Buffleheads of course are quite small.
Previous Experience
Saw my first Wood Duck as a child in New Hampshire while hiking, and I’ve only seen a few since (one in Colorado years ago. As I noted before, my wife and I saw several Harlequin Ducks last June in Iceland, so I have a good basis for comparison. Much of my birding these days is around our lakes (mostly JeffCo). I have nice sightings every year, but this collection of birds stopped me in my tracks. The Cinnamon Teal is one of my most favorites.
Notes
Notes made AFTER observation
Date Documentation Submitted
4/29/2025 7:40:00 PM
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