What Is It?

By MDC | March 1, 2019
From Xplor: March/April 2019
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  1. I’m colorful but seldom seen.
  2. I swim in the water but nest in the trees.
  3. A high, soft whistle is all you’ll hear …
  4. ...as I take flight away from here.

The male wood duck is colorful but secretive. It lives along forested waterways, where it nests with its mate in tree cavities. The only way you may know wood ducks are near is by their high, soft whistle. Young wood ducks drop from their nest and into the water a day after they hatch. In fall, the male loses his breeding plumage and takes on the drab colors of winter. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.

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Cute pets doing funny things must make up half the internet, right? But after looking through thousands of animal photos, we at Xplor are sure of one thing. Wild critters are just as funny as Fido and Fluffy. Need proof? Check out these meme-worthy shots.

This Issue's Staff

Bonnie Chasteen
Les Fortenberry
Karen Hudson
Angie Daly Morfeld
Noppadol Paothong
Marci Porter
Mark Raithel
Laura Scheuler
Matt Seek
David Stonner
Nichole LeClair Terrill
Stephanie Thurber
Cliff White