Today, I am sharing a simple photo of a drake Common Goldeneye coming in to land on my local pond early in the morning. I took this image a few days ago.
Drake Common Goldeneye slide landing – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I have seen this drake on most of my last visits to the pond, with the exception of yesterday morning. The dashing diving duck may have been hidden from my view by vegetation, though. I’ll look for him again when I walk around the entire pond. I didn’t do that yesterday because I had groceries in my Jeep, and because the temperature was a mere 21°F.
Prior to taking this image, I spotted the Common Goldeneye drake in a area where I thought I could use the vegetation at the edge of my pond to hide my presence.
I walked back to my Jeep, pulled out my tripod, attached my camera to it, and then walked closer to the duck.
There was a gap in the pondside vegetation, and I could see that the goldeneye spotted me. I quickly set up, turned my camera on, and this photo was the fifth frame that I took after the duck made a short flight barely above the pond.
This is not a perfect photo. I could wish that the bill of the drake goldeneye was visible; I am not going to do that though. I like this image just the way it is, and that is why I decided to share it this morning.
When I look at this photo, it makes me smile, and that is enough for me to share it here with you.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Goldeneye photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great action shot! This Goldeneye could easily win the hurdles in the Olympics. Thanks Mia.
Hi Mia,
Yes! This image makes me smile too. Yes, thou shalt not fret about the lack of beak. Look at that sweet, clear eye. Beautiful. And the action angle of those brilliant legs, coming in for a landing. And the delicious curve of the wings. And the colors!
Thank you so much for sharing your photos, and thank you, equally, for sharing your words. I look forward every evening to what you have to show and tell us.
And to your uplifting reminders that…
Life is good, Linda
Smiling at him striding across the water. Thank you.
It’s a lovely image and they are such beautiful ducks, you are lucky to have them so close to home. We are are our worst critic! It was a topic at dinner last night with a group of bird photographers.
What a fantastic shot, Mia! (I’m also imagining him signaling, “Touchdown,” which gives me a much-needed giggle this morning.)
Great catch!
Great shot!
I think we are about to get the storm here in the Northeast that hit all of you.
As you have acknowledged, you are your own worst critic. I love this shot in the early morning light.