The pair of Wood Ducks in the photo are among four pair and 15 individuals seen on our backyard pond for the past several days. The female here, in foreground, has assumed a position decribed in a monograph on the species as pre-copulatory. She is ready and willing, but the male in this case paid no particular attention. There were 11 males on the pond at this time, with a lot of aggressive behavior on display. Perhaps distracted by all of the competition, this drake missed the cue. Second photo: it's not that the male Wood Ducks lack interest.
