In a hidden pond to the side of the road I spotted many Wood ducks. These are juveniles at different stages. The male develops the red eye and the colorful plumage. The female has a white patch around her eye and is less colorful, being a gray-brown. As an adult, the male is very colorful & beautiful, whereas the female remains the gray-brown. It is so relaxing just watching them hang out & taking a swim.

D500 with Nikon 600mm f/4 lens hand held

Crop & lighting 2 photos, create collage