This male mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) gave me more than a few looks as I knelt in the shade of the same tree under which he was trying to rest.  He seemed rather vexed by my presence.

As curious about me as I was about her, this female wood duck (Aix sponsa), a juvenile, dilly-dallied about the shore of White Rock Lake so long as I stood there snapping photos.  Her friends and family remained in the area but showed less interest in me, very much unlike this little girl who came closer and closer and closer without ever letting her eyes rest too long on something other than me.  The cloudy sky above dropped just enough light to make for a brilliant backdrop upon the water’s surface.

I have a special place in my heart for muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata).  Having grown up with them as members of the family, I can’t help but be endeared by them now that decades have passed.

This female caught preening in the early morning light of Sunset Bay cared little for my intrusion upon her morning ritual.  She watched me only when I came too near, but otherwise she went about her business with little regard for my presence.

And I was thankful for her tolerance…