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Fortunately, a stiff wind was blowing today, so that kept the biting flies at bay. The shorebirds continue to congregate and most of the birds are losing their breeding colors now. What was it that surprised me today? The Wood Ducks. They were everywhere, at every single pool, in groups of up to fifteen. They weren’t nearly as skittish as they usually are when I try to get close enough for a photo. In fact, they pretty much ignored me. After a bit of researching, I realized that all the Wood Ducks I photographed today were females or juveniles. Even when the males lose their brilliant breeding plumage, they retain their colorful bill. These Wood Ducks all had a gray bill. So… I wonder, do the males leave their breeding grounds first, while the females care for their broods? Couldn’t find the answer to that, at least not yet. I will say, they were fun to watch!