Plus a bonus flock image and video.
Drake Northern Pintail in the marsh at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I drove up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge yesterday morning and came home with some drake Northern Pintail lift off images that I am pleased with. I was thrilled that this pintail drake didn’t fly off with most of the rest of the ducks on this water unit when I drove up. He hung around long enough for me to take a nice series of photos of him swimming on the cold water.
Northern Pintail drake just before lift off – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the male Northern Pintail turned and faced east I suspected that he might take off. The rest of the ducks had flown towards the east. I got ready for the action.
These images are in sequential order taken in a long burst.
Drake Northern Pintail starting to lift off – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This frame shows the pintail drake starting to lift off. His wings hit the water causing it to splash up around him.
Drake Northern Pintail lifting off from water – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When I took the next image in the burst the drake Northern Pintail was out of the water except for the tips of his webbed feet.
Drake Northern Pintail right after lift off – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
And when the next frame was taken the male pintail was already in flight above the water heading east over the wetlands. This drake Northern Pintail was a fun bird to photograph and he made the long trip north in the dark well worth my time and effort. It pays to be in the right place at the right time.
Northern Pintails in flight over the wetlands of Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I thought I would include a bonus photo of a Northern Pintail flock in flight over the wetlands at the refuge with the snow tipped Promontory Mountains in the background.
I took this video using my Nikon D810 with a Nikkor 70-300mm VR lens attached to show the swans, ducks and the beautiful scenery of the marsh at the refuge. I wasn’t in a rush so I figured why not take a video.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Pintail photos plus facts and information about this species.
That takeoff series is definitely wall-worthy! Gorgeous!
Gorgeous! Takes my breath away.. Thank you for sharing 🙂
What wonderful series of action pics! The Northern Pintail is incredibly beautiful and a fav among the duck decoy woodcarvers I know. I can certainly see why in these great shots. Thanks Mia.
Excellent images of the Pintail take-off. I enjoyed the video too.
How wonderful! I didn’t know you had videos… i’ve just spent the last 10 minutes looking at your various videos on Youtube. Thank you!
Ditto! Love the take-off shots of this beautiful duck.
Great shots!