Ring-necked Duck drake – Nikon D200, tripod mounted, f8, 1/800, ISO 250, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
I photographed this drake Ring-necked Duck in breeding plumage a few years ago on a pond not far from where I live. He was a “one day wonder”, meaning it was the only day I found him on the pond. Lesser and Great Scaup drakes look similar but Ring-necked Duck males are easy to tell apart from them because of the white outline on the bill and the white spur on the flank.
I’m able to use a tripod at this pond and get close to the birds because they are habituated to human foot traffic at the pond. I use a Gitzo Carbon Fiber tripod and a Gimbal style Jobu Black Widow head.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Ring-necked Duck photos plus facts and information about this species.
Hi! What a beautiful Bird and so grand a pose. You sure do get great shots!
Thank you Mom! He was a handsome drake.
Really nice detail. It’s amazing what a difference a tripod can make. I need to develop the discipline to use it more often!
Wally, I probably use a tripod less than 1 percent of the time I spend shooting but when you need to use one it is great to have them! Thanks for commenting.
Terrific photo, Mia, the colors are so vibrant!
Thanks Charlotte!
A spectacular shot of a very handsome drake! Love that catch light in the pupil, it gives this guy a very special look!
Thanks Larry, I hope I get the chance to photograph more Ring-necked Ducks on the pond this winter.
Oh, beautiful photo, cheers Mia.
Thank you Bob, he was a beautiful drake.
What a lovely photo, thanks so much for the info on id, I always struggle with it, this should make it much simpler:)
Thanks Susan.
That’s a fantastic photo Mia!
Thank you Tim!