Common Goldeneye drake diving – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The clouds did clear a bit yesterday afternoon and I was able to take some photos of ducks, coots, grebes and a overwintering cormorant. It felt great to be outside even though it wasn’t for long.
Primarily I focused on a drake Common Goldeneye that was busy foraging for food and that kept diving under the surface of the water close enough to take frame filling images of him. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to get photos of the goldeneye drake as he dove where his eyes were just barely above the water. It isn’t easy to do because the timing has to be just right but I think it is fun to try.
At first the light wasn’t great and I took quite a few blurry images but then the sun broke through the clouds, my shutter speed was higher and things came together. I’ve really wanted to take an image of this species diving head on but this was as close as I got yesterday without the duck being all blurry.
Profile view of a diving drake Common Goldeneye – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’ve also wanted a profile view of a drake Common Goldeneye diving and I accomplished that goal yesterday. I love how the green iridescence lit up on the top of this drake’s head in the afternoon light.
The past month has been pretty dreary here in northern Utah and it is amazing how a few minutes in nice light while photographing birds can raise my spirits.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Goldeneye photos plus facts and information about this species.
It sounds (and looks) like a most excellent restorative interlude.
Nice shots Mia….”a few minutes in nice light while…..” I call it photography therapy..:-)