During a hike around Lake Accotink this morning (5/1/03),
I saw some interesting Wood Duck behavior.
Towards the north end of the lake, I observed a family
flotilla- male, female and 10 ducklings. The female seemed
most concerned about keeping all 10 going in the same
direction while the male was watching for flank attacks,
presumably from Snapping Turtles (2 of whom were shot
illegally quite recently).
Further upstream, I encountered 3 male Wood Ducks
circling a female. It seems a bit late for a courtship
routine but maybe it was the avian equivalent of a
single's bar.
Other interesting sightings included: Cormorant, Kingfisher,
Tree Swallows, Yellow Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker,
a flock of White-throated Sparrows, and a Red Fox.
Dex Hinckley
703-354-1342
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