Six Canvasback Hen Photos

This morning, I’m sharing six Canvasback hen photos that were taken two winters ago. I found the hen mixed in with other ducks at my local pond.

Female Canvasback on a sunny winter afternoon – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I don’t know why I haven’t shared these photos here yet. The images have been in my galleries for years. Maybe I was really busy in January of 2021.

Canvasbacks are ducks that I don’t see as often as I would like, and usually when I do find them, they are super skittish.

Hen Canvasback in a coy pose – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This hen Canvasback?

She was cooperative for a time, and I took advantage of that. The hen looked stunning in the golden afternoon light.

Preening hen Canvasback – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

For a bit, the hen preened her feathers as she floated on the pond. The cool blue of the water set off the warm brown tones of her plumage.

Canvasback hen after lifting off – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Looking back, I can’t recall if the hen took flight because something or someone bothered her, but I know that I was delighted when she lifted off.

Canvasback hen in flight on a winter afternoon – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

When she flew past, I do remember that my heart sped up, and I hoped I would get sharp images of her on the wing.

Hen Canvasback in flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I also recall being very happy that my images of her in flight were sharp, and that I was tickled to have had her in my viewfinder for as long as I did.

Today is as good a day as any to share the beauty of this Canvasback hen.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Canvasback photos plus facts and information about this species.