When things go right, a lot of things, photos of ducks in flight can have a certain elegance that is unique to them.
1/6400, 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 is a grab shot taken yesterday afternoon at a local pond. The Mallard pair flew in unexpectedly so I had no time to adjust camera settings. It was one of those spray and pray situations that actually worked out, allowing me to get about a dozen sharp shots that included both birds. This one was my favorite.
Ducks in flight are hard, especially when there are several birds in the frame. I like this one for the contrasting wing positions, the good separation between subjects, the shooting angle from slightly in front of the ducks, I have catch lights in the eyes of both birds and both ducks are sharp. That beautiful green head of the male is the perfect initial eye-grabber as the viewer begins to scan the image.
For me one of the primary strengths of the photo is its old-timey feel. Growing up in Montana in the 50’s it seemed like every barber shop, car dealership and even doctor’s and dentist’s office had a painting or photo of Mallards in flight similar to this one hanging on the wall to accompany the stack of Field and Stream magazines in their waiting area . So for many old farts like me there’s a certain nostalgia associated with photos like this one.
In the duck world Mallards don’t get a lot of attention from photographers but I think that can be a mistake.
Ron
Always delighted by Mallards and this is an exceptionally handsome couple. I’m especially fond of the females of the species who tend to look like they’re smiling. 🙂
And if you’re going to “grab” a shot — this is the one! 😉
Thanks, Marty. I’m very happy with it – grab shot or not.
Beautiful photo of a beautiful pair, love the symmetry of their wings! Or perhaps it’s asymmetry? 🤔 I suppose it’s the catchlight, but his eye looks to be aimed at her, making sure he’s not going to lose his woman! 🦆
Thanks, Chris. Lets call it symmetrical asymmetry. 🙂
I didn’t grow up seeing posters or paintings of ducks – but three ceramic (or brass) ducks on the walls was a very, very common decorating feature in many homes.
I cannot recall any of them having the elegance or beauty of these.
Thanks, EC. I have a wooden duck in my bedroom and another one as a motif above the entrance to my storage shed (long story on that one).
Very nice balance, and yes when I took my mother to the dentist in Ogden they had a similar photo.
Good, you remember!
Such a nice happy couple.
🙂
I really love mallard ducks. I had an erstwhile (thank the Gods he’s an ex)brother-in-law who had a unique talent. He could call in a large number of duck species (are they species, professor?) with no tool other than his mouth. He was demonstrating this to his father and stepmother (I was there). There were two hens on the shore. He called and sure enough, here came a drake. Well, the drake landed and proceeded to do what ducks do during a mating season. I laughed so hard I cried!
That would have been fun to see, Arwen. Yup, they’re species although some of them do hybridize.
I too spent much of my younger years in the company of ducks and geese, and have several paintings of their flight. This photo superbly captures the colors and feather textures of a winter pair.
I’m glad you like it, Kent.
Mallards are one of life’s guilty pleasures. One feels a bit embarrassed to enjoy their beauty because of their pervasive familiarity. Your photo reminds me what people almost reticently say: “…but they are beautiful birds.”
Well said, Lyle.
Love! Mallards are my favorite duck – my mom raised them in Alaska. Love that they mate for life. They are very common in AZ. On rare occasions we find a pair enjoying our pool – which we welcome 😊
Kathleen, a couple of times I’ve actually had a pair of nesting Mallards in my yard. Lots of fun, except for when a marauding cat finds the nest in the middle of the night. The nests were always beneath one of my bedroom windows and the racket from the angry ducks defending their nest can be hard to imagine.
Oh my!!
Great wing position!
Thanks, Hacker.
Sometimes a grab shot turns out to be a gem. Beautiful and elegant. Good nostalgic trip back in time with your reference to Field & Stream etc. Also reminds me of the US Duck Stamps. Mallards are very attractive ducks, but I guess because they are so common like coots and doves that we do often ignore them.
Thanks, Everett. And you’re right about the duck stamps.
I love this photo. Now that you mention those iconic photos/paintings of
that period–I began to wonder how photographers of the 50’s and even 60’s
ever managed to capture in-flight photos of any quality ? Paintings, for sure,
but back then, there was no “spray”–just the ” pray” part ! Am I right about that ?
You sure are right about that, Kris. I’m sure that’s why paintings/prints of them in flight were far more common than photos. Those old time film photogs had their work cut out for them when photographing birds in flight.
Great photo. Those webbed feet are tucked up so smoothly…flight perfection. Mallards are my favorite pair but I especially have a fondness for the female; she just has ‘that look’. We usually have some around all the time so you never know what you may be able to photograph.
Thanks, Kathy. Mallards are one of our most common ducks, even when you don’t count all the hybrids.
Good capture! Your “spray and pray” worked VERY well. I remember the those photos/paintings growing up……..😄
Yeah, I’ll bet you remember them Judy. They were pervasive back then in MT.
Hi Ron,
As one could expect I am loving all the waterfowl photos! I hadn’t gone through them in a while but caught up yesterday afternoon. Your photos are always amazing, but you know how waterfowl keeps my heart happy! Thank you for showing the ducks some love and hope you’re doing well.
Thanks, Shane. You’re up early as usual. I was hoping you’d see this one.