Magic Pond wood ducks and a returning visitor

---

This gorgeous and tiny drake Hooded Merganser has been observed for the past 3 years wintering with  his friends, the Wood Ducks!  No certain way to say it's the same duck, but I do believe it is .. And what a show stopper he is  decked out in his contrasty plumage! 

A quick check under the hood prior to takeoff  :)

The female Wood Duck featured in the photo above is an underrated beauty!  Though not as multicoloured as her mate, she is equally decked out in gorgeous feather designs!   Simply WOW, as seen here in a beam of sunlight!