Wood Duck Pair in Willow

Willows, especially old willows, have always been a part of my psyche. I grew up on a ravine with giant willows as big as some trees in the tropical rain forest. Their great, sprawling branches carved spaces far above our heads as we played along the little creek. Since willow is a soft wood it breaks fairly easily in the wind. It also sprouts back fairly readily, often in different direction to the original growth. The result is what I call a "Japanesey" effect of zig-zag, calligraphic forms of twigs and branches.

Since willows grow in wetlands they are, more often than not, part of the habitat of the wood duck. It is always exciting to see our most lavishly plumaged duck and his mate perched among the branches of an old willow.