Cuteness Alert! Baby Wood Ducks at Lake Morton

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I stopped by Lake Morton in late April hoping to see some Mute Swan cygnets. I was too late for the swans, but it was the perfect morning for Wood Ducks. I found three families with small ducklings. Cuteness alert! The Wood Ducklings are the most photogenic of the ducklings at Lake Morton, and also the hardest to photograph.

Wood Ducking
Wood Duckling

Mom keeps a close eye on her little family, and Dad is never too far away if there’s trouble. Mostly Mom keeps the babies in the lakeside vegetation, where they are harder for the hawks to grab. But sometimes Mom takes them out in the lake for swimming lessons.

Wood Duck Mother and Babies
Wood Duck Mother and Babies

I sat on the side of the lake and watched one little family for a while. Mom didn’t seem to notice me because I was sitting still and low, and she let the babies come near the shore for a bath and a little rest. They were so cute to see up close!

Wood Ducklings
Wood Duckling

A little while later, Papa decided to join his family for a swim on the lake. I’ve never gotten a full-family portrait of the Wood Ducks before. What a sweet little family!

Wood Duck Family Portrait
Wood Duck Family Portrait

As I left, the last family of Wood Ducks was preening on a rock in the shade. Mama kept a close eye on her two little ones. They called goodbye to me and reminded me to visit again soon!

Wood Duck Mother and Babies
Wood Duck Mother and Babies

Want to learn more about nature photography at Lake Morton?

Check out my Lake Morton page with more information about the location, map, website, photography tips, etc. It is archived by date so you can see my images from previous visits. Maybe you'll be inspired for your own trip!

Planning a trip to Florida? Don't miss my Central Florida Bird Photography Locations reference guide!

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