I nearly missed this male wood duck (Aix sponsa).  Standing atop a log near shore, I walked by him—TWICE!—before I ever noticed his fashionable self.

Keep in mind I was focused on the ground taking snapshots of flowers and insects…  But still!

And the moment I took notice of his presence and stopped?

He made good his winged escape.

I would have been better off pretending I didn’t see him and surreptitiously photographing him as I walked by; instead, I halted and turned in his direction.

Some times I can be so daft…