May 24, 2026
Nature Done Wright
Incorporating the Celery Farm and Screech Owl Companion blogs
Duck Enough to Fight
I took this shot Thursday morning after looking out my window and seeing a large black bird perched on one of the Wood Duck nesting boxes.
I grabbed my camera and started photographing. It turned out that there were six American Crows, and they were checking out four boxes, most likely hoping to steal the eggs. I don't think they could fit.
At one point four crows were on or near the Wood Duck box in the above photograph, which is featured on Page L-6 of The Record today.
The quarreling went on for at least a half-hour, with the crows often sending the Wood Ducks int the water.
Later today, I will post a YouTube video I compiled of much of the action at the nest box — the "Duck Enough to Fly" nesting box.
For a video of several images of the crow/duck dispute, click here.
If you think this was some other behavior by the crows, please e-mail me.
4 comments
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Cogratulations Jim, Great shot and technique to catch the action. I have never seen that in all the years I have been looking at those boxes.
Best, Jerry -
What a great photo! Too bad for the wood ducks!
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Nice to be prepared. Nicely done.
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Tremendous shot Jim. How lucky to live right there, and be able to respond at a moments notice. WELL DONE!!!





4 comments
Jerry barrack
Cogratulations Jim, Great shot and technique to catch the action. I have never seen that in all the years I have been looking at those boxes.
Best, Jerry
Sara Buckley
What a great photo! Too bad for the wood ducks!
Bob Kane
Nice to be prepared. Nicely done.
John Pastore
Tremendous shot Jim. How lucky to live right there, and be able to respond at a moments notice. WELL DONE!!!