Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Wetland Flight Shots

After a strong series of thunderstorms passed through our area beginning Sunday evening and extending through the morning hours Monday the skies broke giving us and incredibly beautiful evening. Not wanting to waste such an evening on mundane task around our home I instead opted for a visit to our local wetland.




A number of wood ducks and Canada geese were present but proved elusive upon my approach.  After reaching the western side I sat down at the waters edge partially concealed by the surrounding willows in hopes of a photo opportunity presenting itself.


While I waited a few wood ducks flew overhead as the bullfrog deep song reverberated across the landscape. Red-winged blackbirds, grackles, and numerous other song birds sang and flitted about with the occasional honking of the Canada geese joining in with the peeping of smaller frogs creating a beautiful chorus courtesy of the spring wetlands choir.


While soaking in the melodious harmony I spied a lone Dragonfly darting past when suddenly is stopped in mid-air and allowed me time to aim, focus and fire three frames; the best of which is posted above.


As the evening shadows crept across the landscape I began the walk back to the car. With all of the waterfowl present I was a little disappointed that I had been unable to capture a usable photograph when suddenly from a tiny pond a pair of wood ducks sprang into the air. Swinging the camera with the drake I pressed the shutter button and hoped for the best.



An evening in the wetlands always beats an evening of chores, a couple of decent flight shots is an added bonus!

8 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Wow!!! A perfect shot of the Dragonfly and then such an exceptional flight picture of the Wood Duck.I'd say that beats household chores any day.
Blessings,Ruth

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Wow! Your shot of the dragonfly is amazing. After reading your post on the blue heron, I wish I could catch a shot of the one that likes to visit our backyard pond. As soon as I open the door it takes flight and both the fellow next door and myself have been trying to capture it with our cameras.
Judith

Mary Howell Cromer said...

The Wood duck in flight is awesome Coy~

Meggie said...

The dragonfly shot is amazing but I LOVE wood ducks...think they are so beautiful. I couldn't help but wonder whay type of home jobs you were missing back home.

Anonymous said...

WOW! Amazing detail in these photos. Such beautiful coloring!

Peggy said...

Wow! Great flight shots! That dragonfly perspective is so cool! And the bokeh with the light area so well composed!

Kerri Farley said...

These WOW me!

Misty DawnS said...

I LOVE that second shot, but I can't believe that Darner dragon held still for you for that long!!! LUCKY YOU!