“If you’ve dated a redhead raise your glass, if not . . . raise your standards” – Anonymous.
Redheads (of the duck variety) begin to pair up on their winter range and some of the birds now migrating through my area have already formed their monogamous pair bonds.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4, not baited, set up or called in
For at least the last week there’s been a half-dozen or more Redheads on Willow Pond near my home. Most are quite skittish and stay out in the middle of the pond but I’ve been charmed by this dandy male who is far from shy.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I suspect he’s learned some bad habits from the Mallards and domestic mixes who have become accustomed to being fed bread by unthinking humans but I’m sure enjoying his antics and relative tameness. It’s quite unusual for me to be this close to a wild duck.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4, not baited, set up or called in
This is his apparent mate. She’s not quite as approachable as the male but more so than the other Redheads on the pond so I think she’s also learning some of those bad habits.
When I’m photographing birds on this pond I’m on foot using a tripod rather than my usual technique of shooting from my pickup and I struggle a little with swapping out my teleconverter – it’s far less convenient for me. It seems like I always have the wrong gear combination for the situation that is presenting itself. Here I wish I’d had the converter attached but when I take the time to do so I often miss other opportunities.
1/400, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I can’t resist taking a few tight shots of a wild bird when given the chance because I enjoy the intimacy but this is another example of the wrong gear combination for the situation. Because I had the teleconverter attached the duck is too tight at bottom for my tastes and I have less depth of field than if I hadn’t been using the converter (but yes, I still like the shot…)
There are definite advantages to using a zoom lens but overall I’m still very happy with my choice of a fixed, prime lens as my primary glass.
Ron
Beautiful birds. I’m happy to report that whatever is ‘wrong’ with the last photo, it’s not apparent to me.
Outstanding!
Charlotte Norton
Thanks, Charlotte.
What a privilege. For you to see the bad boy and his bride up close, and for us to see them too. Love them. Thank you.
Thanks very much, Elephant’s Child.
My only expertise relative to your photographs Ron is as a carver of waterfowl who has in the past competed in the Ward World Championships in Ocean City Maryland. Your pictures are OUTSTANDING!! They would be the delight and envy of any carver to have as reference to his/her carving of a Redhead. Just plain wonderful shots Ron, I greatly appreciate you photographic ability and willingness to share!
BTW – yesterdays all day Snowy Owl Blitz was a huge success!! Over 30 citizen birders working the day and the county for science. I have reference photos of 10 different owls and two closer ones, but only passable shots of those 2. Just don’t have the lens capacity and I am very hesitant about moving closer to an owl so that I won’t spook him, yet there are those that feel no compunction to do so.
Dick, I’d love to see photos of some of your carvings….? You must be good!
I’m delighted to hear that your owl blitz was a success. And yes, there’s something about owls especially that brings out the thoughtlessness (and worse) in some folks.
DICK–I would love to see your carvings, also,,I have several “carvings”, a swan, loon, a couple of ducks and some old decoys. I have always loved both the rough old decoys and the beautiful, intically carved realistic birds. . Have been to several shows. .My favorites are a big, chunky folk-style eagle and a tiny, life-sized chickadee by Floyd Scholz( prob.mispelled) given to me by a friend. It looks absolutely alive…I often catch my breath, afraid I’ll startle it into flying around the room and harming itself! People are always convinced it’s real….
That is very nice of you and Ron. If you send me an e-mail raharlow@comcast.net I will send you both a couple of images.
Email sent, Dick. Thanks!
Nice! Love the intense colors and reflections on the water. I think the close-up, even with its lack of depth, gives the photo a slight touch of a modern art feel. I can see that matted in a white frame lending life, color and a casual sense of intimacy.
Patricia, I wish I had the artistic flair and confidence you do. I’d have absolutely no idea what color of frame/mat to use with it (except for your advice…)
Wonderful images! The last one makes me feel I’ve been under water and suddenly popped up right in front of him…Wait! Is that what you did???
Nope. That water’s too darned cold, Patty -the ice just went off of it!
I LOVE the last one! He is a fine looking duck – love seeing his face and eyes and bill close up – and his gray looks like it would be soft like suede. Gorgeous eyes!
I like the close look at the duck too, Leisa. Thanks
Beautiful photos of a beautiful pair. I love Redheads and this male is indeed a “dandy.”
Thanks very much, Sharon.
Good morning Ron,,wonderful photo’s..I have never been close to this bird. I noticed the color of their eyes are different. Would that be true,or could it be the lighting? Again wonderful images….may the son shine in your life today….gary
Good morning to you too, Gary.
Adult males have a yellowish-orange iris during alternate plumage but a little duller in basic plumage. Females have brown or yellow-brown irises.