Redhead pair in winter – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Over the past several weeks I have been enjoying myself while photographing Redheads here in northern Utah at my local pond. We have Redheads in this area all year round but I seem to see them through my viewfinder the most in winter. During the breeding season these diving ducks are scarce at my local ponds because they aren’t suitable nesting areas for this species but during the winter they build up in numbers to rest, feed, and court.
Two Redhead drakes courting a hen – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Redheads begin to court during the winter and they form pair ponds during this time. In the past week I have started to notice the Redheads displaying courtship behaviors but most of the time these ducks have been too far away to obtain high quality images of their mating displays and behaviors.
Hen Redhead close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There have been a couple of times when the Redheads have come close to me but did not exhibit any courtship displays. I keep hoping that they will though.
Redhead drake on silvery water – Nikon D500, f10, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Every time that I go to my local pond I look for these diving ducks and hope that they will become so absorbed by the desire to find a mate that they will lose some of their natural wariness and drift closer to me.
All for of the photos above were taken on January 12, 2020.
Redhead drakes and hens gathering on a pond – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday I watched and photographed the Redhead drakes exhibiting Kinked-neck and Head-throw displays but once again they were too far away to get the high quality images I am seeking. It is fun though to watch these ducks gather on the pond in small groups like this one that I photographed yesterday afternoon and to see the drakes courting the hens.
Winter still has a few weeks to go before spring arrives and these Redheads leave my local pond and head towards areas that are more suitable for nesting so I will keep trying for those closer photos of their mating displays and behaviors.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Redhead photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a delightful way to spend a few hours!
It seems to me these pics would inspire anyone who carves duck-decoys. Each image is so rich in detail yet balanced by deep, subtle, colors. A woodcarver’s dream. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful, beautiful things. Thank you.
Never pass up a look at Redheads, such a rare duck in these parts. Thanks!
Such beautiful birds! We are so lucky this Winter to have 8 of them in our main town harbor, which is an extension of Long Island Sound, Connecticut. I’ve been going frequently to watch them & photograph them. They seem to cluster more closely together than the other waterfowl.
My favourite duck. Wonderful series of photos.
Cool photos, Mia