Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Flying Mallard Duck

A flying drake mallard duck approaching at high speed.  This photograph was taken recently during the spring courtship flights that is part of the ducks' mating ritual.  This male was probably in the company of one female and at least one other male vying for her attention.  Notice that his feet are not deployed as airbrakes so he is not slowing to land.  In fact, it was so cold his feet are tucked inside his feathers.  This is an extremely difficult shot to get because the high speed and close proximity make focusing very difficult.  It's hard enough to keep the bird in the frame!  My success rate is low.  This one is extra nice because the diagonal formed by the wing angle contributes so much to the composition.  Also, the mouth is wide open as he calls.
100-400 lens at 250mm, 1/1250 sec at f/5.6, ISO 400.

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