Ducks on the wing over the marsh at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
An adult Bald Eagle had flown over the marsh which stirred up most of the ducks and some of the Canada Geese.
The mountains in the background of this image are in the Promontory Range which are located west of the refuge.
There are five species of dabbling ducks in flight in this photo. There are Mallards, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeons, Northern Pintails and a single Green-winged Teal. All of the ducks are small in the frame. I find this photo appealing because it conveys a sense of place that a frame filling image of any of these ducks simply can’t.
I wish that I would have had better light and light angle when I took this photo but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control I arrived at the refuge much later than I normally do. Also, I wasn’t driving myself that day so I had zero control over the light angle.
It was a very uncomfortable trip to the refuge. The temps were in the low 20’s and there was a 30 to 35 mph north wind blowing. I felt as if I was riding at the center of a super strength, industrial deep freezer. I had no heat, no heated seat to sit on and the open windows blew ice cold air into my eyes the entire time. I swear that the tears from that nasty wind blowing into my eyes made tearcicles on my eyelashes.
I was dressed for the weather, had dressed in layers, wore thick socks, warm boots, and gloves and I still froze. My feet didn’t warm up until I was about half an hour south of the refuge on my way home. It was quite a switch from when I drove up to the refuge on Monday where even though it was just as cold I didn’t feel chilly the entire morning.
I photographed other birds on the trip up to the refuge that day. I may or may not share some of those photos and write about the stories behind the images. Right now when I look at them all I can think about is how miserable I was that morning and I shiver.
But… Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my duck, swan and geese photos.
Mostly Spoonies and the Mallards stick out, finally found the Widgeon . . . where are the Teal?
I really like this photo – the snow-covered mountains and the lovely ducks in flight – perfect.
In Utah our “just right” season is short.
Just looking at your photograph is enough to make ME shiver, too!
Then I think about an eagle flushing up all those waterfowl, the rush of adrenaline reaching for the camera, focusing, clicking … quiet again. Cold again.
Outstanding experience which has made my morning better. Thank you.