A bit of a mixed bag today – two species I don’t get to photograph very often, although I do have more opportunities with Redheads than Canvasbacks.
1/1000, f/10, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Yesterday afternoon while photographing a variety of birds on one of several local ponds I frequent these two male Redheads came in close for a photo op. A quick aperture adjustment allowed me to get both birds sharp enough and I liked the effect of the lighting in the late afternoon sun. I think male Redheads are handsome ducks so I was pleased to get two of them well-placed in the frame and sharp..
Male Redheads and male Canvasbacks look quite similar so I had to wonder if…
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
this female Canvasback was a bit confused (said tongue in cheek) when I found her in such close proximity to the Redheads with no male Canvasbacks nearby. With their long sloping forehead and bill the shape of the face of Canvasbacks is unusual among ducks.
Female ducks don’t get a lot of attention from photographers but I think she looks good in this alert pose in nice light.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
And she went from just looking good to looking cute as a button when she floated on her back so she could groom her belly and other ventral parts.
In the past several readers have mentioned (complained?) that I don’t post photos of ducks very often. Hopefully today’s post helps to remedy that situation.
Ron
Don’t you just love it when you sit in a spot for a while and everyone stops paying attention to you? Love the duck on the back! I’m going to start taking notes on your wisdom for identifying birds! Thanks!
“Iām going to start taking notes on your wisdom for identifying birds”
I’m STILL taking notes, Beth. A lot of folks are better than I am at bird ID but part of my motivation to learn them better is to avoid making incorrect ID’s on my blog. Now that’s embarrassing!
Fabulous photographs!
We seldom see these big ducks locally and have to travel to the coast during migration. Having said that, a Canvasback was report in the downtown lake last week. Once the crowd thins out, I might wander over.
Excellent reminder to shift f/stop for a pair/group in proximity.
Hope your New Year is going well!
Thanks, Wally. Sounds like your Canvasback is a celebrity.
The Canvasback resembles a goose to me
Yes, I can see that too.
Red heads and golden eyes. What a gorgeous combination.
I think that Canvasback is crossed with a Coot. Look at that foot.
Seriously though, your observation that she was hangin’ with the Redhead boys sent me to BotW. It turns out that Redeads are notorious brood parasites (i.e., lay their eggs in other’s nests), including other Aythya species like Canvasbacks. So, perhaps she grew up with other Redheads, or could be a cross?
Lyle, you’re exactly right about them being notorious brood parasites. They’re known to parasitize at least 9 other duck species, some shorebirds and even Northern Harriers.
I don’t think I have ever seen a duck float on it’s back to preen, great find. Redheads and other ducks have beautiful feathering and get overlooked because they common birds at ponds.
Mqrty’s comment is great! I stopped wearing my wedding ring 17 years ago because it caused problems while working, it often scratched kids while lifting and doing physical therapy. When we were house shopping and bought our new house in St George we spent a lot of time in the southern part of Utah. As usual I was out exploring on my own. At first I thought the men I was talking to on my expeditions were just very friendly and offering to go birding or show me photography locations. I exchanged phone numbers with a few, we texted birds we saw and locations. Then I started getting invitations that sounding like a date, I asked it I could bring my husband Jon along. That ended the messages. I had to start wearing a wedding ring again. I guess in my old age I should be flattered!
April, old age is relative. You’re a spring chicken compared to me. And I remember the day when I thought someone in their 40’s was almost at death’s door.
I wish I was in my 40’s.
Marty says ālookin for a little cross-species excitement.ā If so, she could be getting a bit more than she bargained for. Redheads are hemi-brood parasites. That is, female Redheads frequently some of their eggs in the nests of other ducks and their most frequent host is Canvasbacks. But sheās safe from these males. Like most ducks, the males play no role in the raising of the young.
We see both species here in limited numbers during the winter, but they are often at a distance so itās nice to see such detail in your photos.
They’re usually at a distance for me too, Dan. I was parked in that spot for so long I think these guys just took me as part of the landscape and ignored me.
The light reflection on the water is magical! I too have never seen a duck on its back! Precious shot! At first glance I thought it was an otter which wouldn’t make sense for “feathered photography.” LOL
Kathleen, you can bet that if I ever photograph a river otter I’ll be posting it here.
Those boys are so handsome…I donāt blame her for checking them out āļø
We have a pond right off the American River that is a favorite place for many birds especially ducks. Theyāre so entertaining. Iāll grab a chair, my NEW binoculars, a beverage and enjoy š
Congrats on the new bins, Diana.
How beautiful and the word charming comes to mind, as the lady grooms.
Be Safe,
Kaye
Thank you, Kaye.
Ron’s wildlife “classroom” scores again– seems I’m not the only one who
never knew that ducks could roll over on their backs to groom while afloat.
Ya never know what you’ll learn next from “Feathered Photography”–thanks !
Kris, count me in that ‘ya never know what you’ll learn next’ group.
I have never seen a duck roll over on it’s back to groom. Thanks for the image and education !!
I don’t remember seeing it before either, Gary. I’ve seen, and photographed, geese doing it but not ducks.
Beautiful capture of the Redheads, Ron. The light really sets of their redheads…. Female Canvasback is also lovely and floating on her back to groom is a hoot! I’ve never seen that behavior. Yes, Marty is “on it” this morning! š Joe finds at 91 he can get away with a LOT with the young ladies…š
“Joe finds at 91 he can get away with a LOT with the young ladies”
That made me smile big time, Judy. Go get’em, Joe!
Laughing at Marty’s comments. Just yesterday while I was out shooting photos of ducks and others in some ponds near one of our lakes two women stopped to ask me a question. One said, “Wow you have such beautiful blue eyes.” I responded that for an almost 83 year old guy any compliment is welcome.
Love this photo of these two very handsome Redheads. In our birding list here we show Redheads as uncommon, sometimes seen in small numbers in transit.
During my 15 years here I have yet to get a photo of one.
Everett, you blue eyed lady magnet you, I see Redheads fairly often on various ponds but they seldom come in close so I usually don’t even point my lens their way.
She finds the men she usually dates to be quite boring, so she’s lookin’ for a little cross-species excitement. Perhaps she’s even flirting with you a little in the last shot. #drawmelikeoneofyourfrenchgirls š
Marty, I’m too damned old for the ladies to be flirting with me. Wow, you’re up and at’em early…
You’re never too old!
Late to bed; early to rise. Dammit.
Beautiful start to the day. Thanks, Ron!
Thank you, Diane.