Resting Mallard with an eye on me – Nikon D500, f/10, 1/640, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There are domestic Mallards at my local pond and even though they are domesticated I still photograph these feral ducks now and then. I like seeing the differences in their plumage when comparing them to the wild Mallards I see at the same pond and a few of these feral ducks I have photographed over a period of several years. These ducks aren’t “pets” though and I am not sure how they became feral but they act wild in practically every way.
Yesterday one of the weather forecasts for my area looked like it was going to be cloudy and another one said mostly sunny but when I looked at the radar/satellite it did look like it was going to cloudy so I stayed home and wouldn’t you know it, it was a gorgeous, mostly sunny morning. I should have gone out into the field but sometimes when I am trying to figure out the weather I just can’t be sure what it will be like. Later in the day I did go down to the local pond to see what birds might be there, it has been pretty slow at the pond bird wise like everywhere else I have gone in the past month.
The only image I liked of the few I took yesterday afternoon was of this resting, feral domestic Mallard that appeared to be keeping an eye on me while it floated next to the shoreline of the pond. The rest of the photos I took are going straight into my delete bin.
I sure hope that I start seeing more wild birds again.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see my domestic waterfowl and hybrid photos.
I wonder if half its brain is sleeping while the other half keeps an eye out for danger.
Extraordinary shot Mia. I love the colors and the detail you captured. Thanks.
Sort of saying, “Here’s looking at you!” I like the eye contact.
What a beauty. Glad that he/she saved the day for you.
Beautiful composition.
What a beautiful photo. I am not seeing the usual bird population that I have seen in the past. I am being skunked too many days.
Beautiful image Mia!