Third Morning
Weather -Clear, 43F, N winds 5mph, gusts 8mph
Sunrise - 6:10am
Another morning in which I am waking up way before the 4:15am alarm. I got to the blind early as well; was set up and ready at 5:28am. I then had to wait for the sun to rise so I could see the nest box. A little before 6:00am I saw a wood duck pair fly in, a few minutes later I see another pair fly in and a pair fly out. Soon after that I see two males fly in. I’m starting to loose track of what may still be on the pond - from my vantage point I can not see the whole pond, only the area in front of me.
At 6:22am I see her fly into the box, that happened so fast - I could have easily missed it.
Five minutes later, at 6:27am I see what may be the same pair from yesterday under the nest box.
A moment later the female flys up to the nest box and sticks her head in (just like yesterday).
She then decided to go on top of the box, same as yesterday.
While she is up there the male is hanging around under the box.
Then she joins the male and they swim away from the box, hang out in the pond for a bit before flying off.
I then wait and wait. It is a little cool, but not as cold as it has been. It’s a sunny day. I notice the sun begins to shine on the nest box at 8:05am. Nothing is happening there so I turn my attention to a green heron that came to the pond.
I have to check back at the nest box every now again - that’s when I notice someone else wanted to hang out on the roof.
With the warmer temperature, less wind and the sun - more birds are singing. I counted 19 species, including a pileated woodpecker.
I was really expecting her to bring the ducklings out today, but as the time passes that is seeming less likely. I leave the blind at 9:30am.
……. but wait the day isn’t over yet.
