Two Beauties is a photograph by Deborah Benoit which was uploaded on March 18th, 2013.
Title
Two Beauties
Artist
Deborah Benoit
Medium
Photograph - Original Photography By Deborah Benoit
Description
Taken at the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine, Florida.
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Their breeding habitat is wooded swamps, shallow lakes, marshes or ponds, and creeks in eastern North America, the west coast of the United States and western Mexico. They usually nest in cavities in trees close to water, although they will take advantage of nesting boxes in wetland locations if available. Females line their nests with feathers and other soft materials, and the elevation provides some protection from predators. Unlike most other ducks, the Wood Duck has sharp claws for perching in trees and can, in southern regions, produce two broods in a single season�the only North American duck that can do so.
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Females typically lay between 7 and 15 white-tan eggs that incubate for an average of 30 days. However, if nesting boxes are placed too close together, females may lay eggs in the nests of their neighbours, which may lead to nests which may contain as many as 30 eggs and unsuccessful incubation, a behaviour known as "nest dumping".
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After hatching, the ducklings jump down from the nest tree and make their way to water. The mother calls them to her, but does not help them in any way.[5] The ducklings may jump from heights of up to 88 metres (290 ft) without injury. They prefer nesting over water so the young have a soft landing, but will nest up to 140 m (150 yd) away from the shoreline. The day after they hatch, the young climb to the nest entrance and jump to the ground. The ducklings can swim and find their own food by this time.[citation needed]
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These birds feed by dabbling or walking on land. They mainly eat berries, acorns, and seeds, but also insects, making them omnivores.
Uploaded
March 18th, 2013
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Comments (73)
Bryan Keil
Great shot of beautiful ducks. Hope to make it there soon
Deborah Benoit replied:
If you like wildlife and I know you do then the best time to come is in the winter months when the birds are nesting and migrating. Hope you make it. Thanks!!
Larry Nieland
GREAT shot Deborah ! Males not often seen together ( or captured ) .........Fave +V
Deborah Benoit replied:
These are mates at the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine. There are 3 or 4 males there. Thank you for commenting!!
Lil Taylor
Oh good grief, Deborah, do you know how badly I wish I had taken this fantastic, absoloutely beautiful photograph so I could have painted it? Oh my gosh....WOW!!!! V/F!!!
Deborah Benoit replied:
There must be a wood duck somewhere near you Lil. Thank you for such a lovely comment!!!
Edward Fielding
So beautiful! Hiking last week I came across some beautiful wood ducks but didn't get anywhere close to the before they took off! Great shot here!
Anne-Elizabeth Whiteway
Deborah, You have captured these wood ducks so well. The colors show Nature's glory. The description is very informative as well. Love your work. F/V
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Wonderful detail in this image Deborah! We Voted! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave