I went back to the Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area this past weekend, and took hubby along with me to see how beautiful this place is.

I saw many of the same birds that I saw on my first visit, like a Killdeer with its fun markings…

…and a glorious Green Heron.

But there were also quite a few ducks in the ponds this time. A lovely female Hooded Merganser was drifting about…

…but was skittish about our presence and opted to fly off to another area.

We also saw a female Wood Duck and her duckling, who quickly swam away when we arrived.

She kept looking back…

…and before long, six more ducklings darted out to join her!

This Wood Duck and her crew were by far my favorite find of the day, but what I’m really hoping is that it will lead to an even better find for the future. You see, I’ve only photographed a male Wood Duck (who is absolutely stunning) once before and didn’t get any good shots, so I’m hoping that some of these little ones will be dapper dudes who stick around and let me take their picture when they get their grown up feathers.

Hey, I guess that just means that I’ll have to hang out by the ponds on a regular basis to watch and wait! I know…it’s a sacrifice…but I’m willing to take one for the team!