Courtship

Gallery: AvianPosted October 5, 2012124 views6 comments

As I was driving yesterday, I noticed three mallards in a small pond. One was this adult male, the other the female. The third seemed to be a male pursuer of the female, and there were feathers in the water from some type of battle it appeared.

I'm assuming the other male was a younger bird as its head coloring was still a bit mottled and bill not as big and bright. After a series of mini-altercations, the younger bird took off (photos to come). Here what seems to be the happy couple and successful suitor enjoying a moment to themselves.

D90, ISO-640, 1/400th second, f-8, 500mm in manual and HH. Larger is posted, thanks for your comments and suggestions!

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Jim Nall on October 5, 2012 at 9:33 AM

Bill, over all, I like this image very much! The interaction shown between these two mallards is really nice. Almost looks like they are kissing. lol

To my eye, sharpness/detail seem fine. Lighting is also very good. The reflection in the water is also a plus.

My ONLY suggestion would be to make the subjects less centered in the frame. Maybe take some off the top. Just my opinion of course.

Nice post and thanks for sharing!

Registered on October 5, 2012, 45 Posts, 168 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on October 5, 2012 at 1:17 PM

The photo only works for me because of the back story, Bill. It's technically good, but the punch comes from outside the photo, from the background you provide. Without that background, it's just a shot of two Mallards.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Maile on October 5, 2012 at 1:24 PM

Thanks! J.D., that is why I posted this first, to set the BG story. See?? And also because it is a much sharper image given the distance with my new Sigma lens, than any previous with the old lens.

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on October 5, 2012 at 7:26 PM

Nice shot Bill. I would tighten it up a bit, actually quite a bit, making the ducks really stand out. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on October 5, 2012 at 9:48 PM

Makes me wonder if they were just telling junior it was time to be on his own, Bill. Nice image. I like the poses and the interaction.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Maile on October 5, 2012 at 11:49 PM

Dennis, great point IMO! Never even thought of that possibility!

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments