WILD AMERICA: WOODIES AND HOODIES

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary segment, "Wild America: Woodies and Hoodies," offers a charming glimpse into the lives of two distinct yet surprisingly competitive American duck species. The narrative highlights the stark contrast between the Wood Duck, affectionately known as 'Woody,' and the Hooded Merganser, or 'Hoody.' While Woody is depicted as a surface-feeder drawn to plant life, the Hoody is presented as an agile diver pursuing fish. Despite their differing dietary preferences, both species share a preference for nesting in tree hollows or artificial boxes. This shared habitat often leads to intriguing interspecies interactions, including instances where females of one species lay eggs in the nests of the other, creating amusing scenarios as described in the local data. The piece, narrated by Marty Stouffer, likely aired in 1985 and captures the beauty of these wildfowl, from their graceful aquatic movements to their striking aerial displays against a sunset.