Issue 1774 – Just a Duck – July 21, 2025
Campbell Valley Park is one of my favorite places for a walk. We usually take the river loop, which wanders through shady trails and marshlands along the river.
Well, it’s a river in name only, at least through the park. The Campbell River is more of a meandering stream that isn’t particularly deep.
At one point, there is a viewing area on a boardwalk that crosses the river. That boardwalk is a great place to stand and do some birdwatching. Mallards and wood ducks are often very close by.
Wood ducks are beautifully bright and colorful. One source describes them as “one of the most stunningly pretty of all waterfowl. Males are iridescent chestnut and green, with ornate patterns on nearly every feather; the elegant females have a distinctive profile and delicate white pattern around the eye. “
Even their call is different from most ducks, which I find hard to describe. That same source says “Female makes loud “oo-eek, oo-eek” when disturbed and taking flight. Male has thin, rising and falling zeeting whistle.”
They have another characteristic that sets them apart from most species of duck: they are perching ducks.
Woodies nest in trees and are often found perched on tree branches. I had read somewhere about their fondness for perching, but the first time I observed it, I was still surprised.
I’ve never seen the Campbell Valley woodies in trees, but since their nesting ground of choice is a hole in a tree, they must spend at least some time there.
Ducks aren’t specifically mentioned in the Scripture as far as I have been able to tell. Still seeing them often makes me think about God.
He created them.
And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:20-21
When you see these beautifully colored, strange-sounding ducks sitting in a tree, it’s hard not to marvel at the diversity and beauty of God’s creation.
God’s abundant care and provision for His creation are demonstrated when the ducklings leave the nest. They are designed to jump out of trees and land on the ground, often far below, when they are ready to go.
I have only observed that happening twice, and both times I was sure that they would end up severely injured on landing. Both times, they gently bounced and followed their parents towards the water.
His creative power, mercy, and compassion are exhibited in the wood ducks and in so many other sights we often take for granted.
Whether there are wood ducks nearby or not, I pray that you look around today and see the hand of God everywhere.
Hallelu Yah
Be blessed,
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”