Bathing Canvasback hen in winter – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When I photographed this bathing Canvasback hen three days ago at a pond close to home I was really happy to see her doing well and doing what ducks do. The female Canvasback was farther away from me than I would have liked and these photos are cropped more than I usually prefer to crop. I was simply happy to see her taking a bath in the cold water of the pond.
Canvasback hen and flying water droplets – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Canvasback splashed around in the water causing water droplets to fly through the air. The clear blue sky was reflected on the water as well as the red roof of a nearby building.
Canvasback female after bathing – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After the hen Canvasback finished bathing I knew that she would shake the water out of her feathers because that is what ducks normally do when they are done bathing unless something startles them. The hen held this pose for quite a few seconds.
Female Canvasback getting ready to shake her feathers – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
And then she started to raise her body and her wings in preparation for a good shake.
Hen Canvasback shaking her feathers – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Once the female Canvasback had a good shake she settled back down on the water and slowly swam away and out of my sight. I hope she sticks around and that I can get frame filling images of her.
The story behind these images:
April Olson and Canvasback hen – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 70mm, natural light
I first met this hen Canvasback nine days before I took the photos above. This female Canvasback was rehabilitated by the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah (WRCNU) and our own April Olson was in charge of releasing her. On a very dreary day I met up with April at one of the ponds close to where I live and as April released the duck I photographed the release.
April Olson releasing the Canvasback hen – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 70mm, natural light
The Canvasback hen wasted no time flying away once April released her gentle grip on the bird. This image shows the moment the duck left April’s hands.
Canvasback hen after being released – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 800, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 70mm, natural light
And this last photo shows the hen Canvasback running across the pond a split second later. Moments after the hen Canvasback settled down on the pond she began to bathe herself.
I was delighted and honored to observe and photograph the release of the Canvasback.
Life is good.
Mia
Please consider making a donation to WRCNU or your local bird and wildlife rehab facility. WRCNU helps birds and wildlife and have rehabbed more than 31,187 (as of Dec 31st, 2021) and they are funded solely by donations.
Click here to see more of my Canvasback photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great pics…great rescue! Thank God there are such good, caring, folks out there. Thanks Mia.
Very nice photos and story. I love seeing her do well. Most of our releases are gone in a second never to be seen again. Till hunting season is over I am so happy she is staying put with the redhead ducks were they are safe. Thank you Mia for the sweet blog post. We can always use good PR, it is hard endless work. The staff and volunteers at our center do amazing work, thank you to all of them, this would not be possible without them and donations from the public to allow them to do their work.
What a great photo series and lovely story.
A wonderful story and a wonderful outcome. I am endlessly grateful to the rehabbers, and do donate to the cause here.
Great one! So glad this beauty was rehabbed and successfully released where she belongs!
Thanks so much for this post, Mia. And pass on thanks to April and all of those who help with wildlife rehab. It makes my day happier knowing there are people out there dedicated to doing this very specialized work.
What a nice story and positive outcome. And to get the photos at release. Very uplifting. We just don’t see many/any Canvasbacks around here with their elegant bills. Always happy to learn more about Canvasbacks and good to know people care enough to rehabilitate individuals back to nature. Thanks to the rehabbers!