Common Merganser in a morning mist – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On winter mornings at my local pond there are days when the mist rising up from the water presents opportunities to take photos that are different from the ones that look like they belong in a bird guide book. The mist can create a moodiness in the photos I take which I find very appealing even if my avian subject is in back light, side light, or in just plain poor light.
It was early in the morning when I photographed this immature Common Merganser in a morning mist almost five years ago at my local pond. The mist rising from the water seemed to dance over the water and the birds because of a light breeze. I couldn’t quite capture that in a still image but I did like this one photo of the merganser that I took that day.
Even though the Common Merganser in this photo isn’t well lit even novice birders can tell it is a merganser from its long, narrow body shape. The long, thin bill shape gives more information about which species it is and the white chin patch can clinch the identification of Common Merganser. What is hard to see in this web sized photo is that there is a double patch of white on the chin which further identifies this bird as an immature or first winter Common Merganser.
As a bird photographer I look for opportunities to take photos that are different from the ones that I take with beautiful light over my shoulder because they present a challenge that tests my skills. Sometimes it works out and I like the resulting photos and sometimes I don’t care for the results at all but I learn something new each time I try.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Merganser photos plus facts and information about this species.
Nice…
Mist is wonderful. I was hoping for more this year with our warm temps then cold front. Still hopeful!
Magical, mystical, marvellous.
I have to agree about morning mist. Over water and around mountains? Yes, anytime. I esp like the strong line of bill and head crest in your photo because it shows well even in poor light.