Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · PNWNP

Posing with an attitude

Discussion

6 replies
Posted by Craig Strand on May 14, 2011 at 6:14 PM
Posing with an attitude
I guess it's the mating season and the drive to attract a partner that gives the normally elusive Ruddy Duck his attitude. Almost all year, if your lucky and see one they will usually be retreating in the "other" direction. Yesterday at Ridgefield I came across 4 males, all had girlfriends and did not retreat. Instead they wooed the girls with the typical tails up, necks widened, crest "horn" feathers raised and then thumping of the blue bills against their chest which produces lots of bubbles (which really turns the girls ON.) See Next Photo
This drake even came up and charged toward me for 15 feet, before settling down and giving the "Get outta here" stare.

Larger version at, http://www.craigstrandphotography.com/p43834098/h753b6cc#h3acdb0d6

canon 40D
canon 600mm f4.L IS USM +1.4TC
F/8 -0.33 1/400 ISO 200
Posted by Craig Strand on May 14, 2011 at 6:16 PM
The chest thumping with bill producing bubbles
Posted by Marylynne Diggs on May 15, 2011 at 3:28 PM
That's hot, er, um, I mean that's a great shot ;-)
Posted by Catherine Reilly on May 16, 2011 at 1:25 AM
Fabulous! What a show-off! Great photography, Craig.
Posted by Erik Lundh on May 17, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Excellent work!
Posted by Scott Smorra on May 18, 2011 at 12:00 PM
These are awesome Craig. I really like the "attitude" the bird is displaying. Looks like he wasn't too thrilled with you!
Posted by John Williams on May 27, 2011 at 12:21 PM
The last trip I took to Malheur, I spent way too much time each day trying to get a Ruddy close enough to photograph in this awesome breeding color. I'm wrestling with whether I still want to be your friend or not after seeing these.