Tai-che Duck +Turtles

Gallery: AvianPosted April 24, 2011224 views19 comments

I was doing my almost daily exercise walk at the local park (Ft. Steilacoom County Park in Lakewood, WA) when I noticed a male Ring-necked Duck sharing a long right next to 2 Red-eared Sliders. I usually have my camera gear in my trunk so when I returned to the car I had a decision to make. Do I return the half mile or so with my camera gear and see if they were still right next to each other or not? I wasn't even sure if I would be close enough to get a reasonably good shot.

Well I decided to head back to the spot and luckily they were still there. I photographed them just sitting on the log next to each other and then decided I would try to get closer so I started taking off my shoes and socks so I could enter the water a bit. About that time the duck started getting nervous (I'm not sure if caused by me or the turtle's advances), stood up and flapped it's wings a lot, then proceeded to jump off the log. At the same time I stopped preparing to enter the water and captured the scene. I was very happy to have captured the whole event. This is cropped to about 80% of FF.

MkIII 500F4 1.4x 1/640 F9, iso 640, handheld sitting on lake shore.

Comments

19 comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on April 24, 2011 at 5:59 PM

It is a great shot Nate. Detail and sharpness of the residents and the log is splendid. You did all we can do as photogs, give it a try. Glad they waited for you.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Anand Narayanan on April 24, 2011 at 6:15 PM

Nate, you should try selling this to the guys at redbull

Add a red bull can to the raised feet and call it "redbull gives you wings"

Registered on October 25, 2009, 110 Posts, 835 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on April 24, 2011 at 6:19 PM

Very nice. An interesting grouping, good composition, nice muted colors, and good technicals.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by John Blumenkamp on April 24, 2011 at 7:04 PM

Great grouping and love the position of the various subjects, including the wing position of the duck and head position of the two turrtles... sweet image!

Registered on February 26, 2011, 58 Posts, 313 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on April 24, 2011 at 7:09 PM

Nate, this is so very cool. The duck by itself would be great, and then you've got the two turtles both looking at the duck. Really nice.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on April 24, 2011 at 8:22 PM

This is one of those image ya see in thumbnail and can't wait to open, cool

I like the light and colors, nice details and comp. It tells a story, and that's a very good thing

Well done Nate!

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on April 24, 2011 at 8:26 PM

Looks like the duck has two rapt spectators Nate. Nice comp - I like the way the log gradually rises out of the water in symmetry with the larger 'objects' upon it.

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on April 24, 2011 at 8:48 PM

Wax on,Wax off....

Very cool, Nate. Glad you made the hike.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on April 24, 2011 at 9:14 PM

Ummm, does this belong in the reptile forum :)

Really nice image, good comp and nice dof to capture them all so nicely. I like the wormy marks in your log, too. Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on April 25, 2011 at 9:30 AM

What a fun image Nate, the pose of the duck is great and I love how the turtles seem to be looking at the ring-necked. Beautiful light & details.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Derrick Lipinski on April 25, 2011 at 12:21 PM

That is a very cool picture, Nate!

Great how both turtles are looking up like that.

Registered on October 5, 2007, 58 Posts, 2039 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on April 25, 2011 at 1:35 PM

I am glad you went back, excellent shot and title. I like the detail, sharpness and the composition really compliments the story, well seen and well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Canuel on April 25, 2011 at 9:46 PM

Very nice composition here Nate. The pose by the duck and the position of his admirers on the slightly angled log all add up to a great image for me. Detail looks good as well, especially the details in the log.

Registered on September 12, 2010, 53 Posts, 660 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on April 25, 2011 at 10:52 PM

Very cool image Nate. Great job capturing the wingspread.I like this composition and the background colors are really nice.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Canning on April 25, 2011 at 11:09 PM

I wonder what was going through the turtle's mind? Very nice image.

Registered on February 10, 2004, 88 Posts, 549 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on April 26, 2011 at 2:34 AM

What a wonderfully rewarding encounter, and greta decision to go the extra mile for it Nate :^)

I really think that Nature choses to reward those of us who are more patient, adventurous, and willing to go that extra mile. This is a real crowd pleaser to be sure, very well done :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on April 26, 2011 at 9:47 AM

I like this a lot Nate. Great separation of all three subjects, nice lighting and I enjoy that the turtles seem to be looking at the duck. F/9 served you well. Really nice.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Nathan Lovas on April 26, 2011 at 8:31 PM

What's not to like? Great timing and interaction...well done.

Nate

Registered on December 30, 2007, 27 Posts, 176 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on April 26, 2011 at 8:50 PM

Really fun and a great story to boot. The title is clever too. Technically a really good image.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments