Saturday, March 21, 2009

Wood Ducks




I again took to the water in search of waterfowl photos this cold frosty spring morning. As I prepared for the morning foray I noticed that the thermometer had sank to a chilly 23F and the truck and boat were covered in frost.

Launching the boat as the first rays of morning sun touched the mountain top beyond the lake I could hear Canada geese honking in the distance and the whistling of wood ducks as they flew through the mist rising from the lake.

This morning was an outstanding morning for waterfowl photography. Following is a list of species that I was able to identify, Wood duck, Scaup, Ring-necked, Red-head, Mallard, Bufflehead, Horned Grebe, along with a grebe and a duck that I have been unable to identify.

As I rounded a bend in the lake’s shoreline I spotted this pretty pair of Woodies preening. As the distance closed they became nervous with the hen taking to the air just seconds before her mate.

For more Critters of all kinds visit our friend Misty and her Camera Critters Blog

18 comments:

Adrienne Zwart said...

This is a very nice photo. Very pretty ducks.

Anonymous said...

You know the way to a girl's heart with waterfowl Salty..LOL..The wood ducks have visited our pond and I was able to grab a look at a green-winged teal drake too. Finally spring. Now if only the economy was looking better....Michelle

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Beautiful.The ducks reflected in the water is excellent.
Blesings,Ruth

Grammy said...

Those are Georges ducks. I have never seen any like them in person.

Teena in Toronto said...

Nice landing!

I played too :)

Montanagirl said...

Good capture! Catching birds on the fly (in focus) is hard for me. I think I need a faster lens. Maybe someday...if we survive this recession.

Anonymous said...

pretty shot! I like the way you capture the geese, perfect..

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: That Wood Duck has great colors.

EG CameraGirl said...

Lovely shot of the female taking off and the male with his reflection. ;-)

Kim said...

Fantastic photo!! Such gorgeous ducks!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photo. I love the reflection.

Kerri Farley said...

Great capture! That reflection is aweseome! I've never seen one of these in person... I think they are one of the lovliest ducks ever!!

Kahshe Cottager said...

What a great action shot! These have to be one of the prettiest ducks - I hope they come my way soon!

Misty DawnS said...

I'm glad you had a great morning for the waterfowl photography! This morning, I had some ducks on my pond, which my friend later identified for me as Blue Winged Teals and Northern Shovelers.

Wolf Lover Girl said...

I LOVE the new header!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Ranger said...

Great shot. You have to be ready at a moments notice to get that.

Brad Myers said...

What a fantastic photo, once I made it larger I realized how sharp it was. I was out yeterday and just reinforced the fact that I stink at birds in flight.

I hope your job is secure, it can be stressful in today's economy with companies closing and laying off employees. I am sure your friend will find retirement enjoyable.

Ivar Østtun said...

The large version is great. Love the composition.