This morning I am sharing three drake Redhead photos that I took at my local pond two evenings ago before the golden light of sunset had started to glow.
Drake Redhead stretching – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This is the first photo I took that evening. I had barely gotten my tripod set up when the drake Redhead started stretching his wing over the water. He stretched in this pose for several seconds while looking directly at me. His orange eye seemed to penetrate right through me.
Redhead drake shaking a foot – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
About five minutes later I saw another drake Redhead out in the middle of the pond stretching and shaking his foot. Even though the duck is small in the frame I liked this photo because of his pose, the light, and the effect of the reflections the nearby houses created on the water.
Drake Redhead tipping his bill – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f11, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It is a bit too early for the drake Redheads to start displaying for the hens on the pond but when I saw this male next to the female tipping his bill to the sky I thought he might do just that. I have observed this behavior prior to a full on Head-Throw display in previous breeding seasons in the drakes of this diving duck species.
I wasn’t at my local pond all that long that evening but I enjoyed every second of my time outdoors watching the birds there.
I hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving and that you are able to share time today with family, friends, and loved ones.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Redhead photos plus facts and information about this species.
These shots of the Redhead Drake are wonderful; especially the eye contact. I understand how you felt looking at the Drakes eye. It’s so vivid. Thanks Mia.
BTW – I’m a little late on the draw here, but I hope you and the fam had a great Thanksgiving. I think the rest of your correspondents will agree that, through the magic of your posts, we get Thanksgiving every day.
Interesting composition in all three! They work for me!
Happy Thanksgiving Mia! I’m thankful for your blog and great commentaries. I’ve become a much better bird photographer taking your advice to just sit and listen. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving ! Among the many things in my life I feel blessed about today, I am grateful to you for the beauty you share every day.
Happy Thanksgiving – and thank you for the beauty and wonder which graces every post.
Happy Thanksgiving Mia, I am thankful for your wonderful blog and photos plus I value our friendship that has developed over the years.
Thankful for your blog, Mia. Hope you have a fabulous day.
Happy Thanksgiving Mia. Hope you are having a nice day with Family and Friends.
Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for every day of your wonderful photos.
Nice images. I love the watery background which seems to go on forever.