Juvenile Wood Duck In And Out Of The Water (5)

[Gary Fairhead]

Taken this morning with Stephen Stephen. We were busy getting shots of a cooperative GBH and this little Male Juvenile Wood Duck shows up. He was hanging out with the Mallards but on land he would hiss and lunge at them to get some space...agressive little guy and brave when you consider how tiny they are compared to Mallards,:D

30D and 400 F5.6,,580EX used in all shots for fill except the first one. The lunging pose ( pano like framing) required extra canvas on the left as the ducks bill was almost at the frame edge...some cloning to try and match the aded canvas to the rest of the frame...needs to be re-done.

I will probably post more of this guy as I have quite s few poses that need to be converted still

Comments and critiques are welcome and encouraged.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/WD.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/WD2.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/WD4-1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/long-1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a300/g2a/IMG_9290.jpg

[canonloader]

A great looking series Gary. Never seen this behaviour before.

agressive little guy and brave when you consider how tiny they are compared to Mallards
Yeah, but he's still got his egg tooth. :D

[Stephen Stephen]

Excellent series Gary. I particularly like number 3 & 4 but they're all nice.

[Gary Fairhead]

Thanks Mitch and you have a good point there ( yes the pun is intended);)

Thanks Stephen and I might see you this morning as I am heading out now:D

[sparker1]

Great series, Gary. I've never seen one of these.

[Booswalia]

Sweet shots, Gary. I came across one of these with some mallards too but it wouldn't let me get close enough for a good shot. Even in the canoe :eek:

[canonloader]

They do seem to hang out with mallards a lot. There was one male last winter here that even had a mallard girlfriend. ;)

[HWP]

Love these shot's Gary. They're all excellent but the first one really does it for me.

The wood ducks around here are so shy it's almost impossible for me to get a shot. Did these guy's know you were there?

Henry

[Linuxboy00]

Looks like he's trying to be a goose in the 4th picture.

Nice series of photos, love the colors.

[GyRob]

a nice set Gary love N04 looks like he was mad at you lol
Rob.

[Anthony J Howe]

The first shot of the young Wood Duck is good. I like how the breeze has just caught the wings and the little drop of water on the end of the bill.
Good profile on the second shot and third shot. The next shot showing his aggressiveness is a cracking good shot, nice ones, well done Gary.

[hTr]

Boy You guys had quite a shoot, Great pictures Gary

[Wayne Wood]

just friggin beautiful Gary ,,, love the lunge

[Blue Deuce]

#2 stands out to me due to the sharpness and coloration of the eye. I like them all though. Wish I could run across one of those little tykes around here.

[reewik]

Very nice .. I love shooting these guys...

[scokar]

I like #2, "you lookin' at me?" :)

[BIRDSMARTIN]

Simply outstanding as always Gary. Great series

[Gary Fairhead]

Love these shot's Gary. They're all excellent but the first one really does it for me.

The wood ducks around here are so shy it's almost impossible for me to get a shot. Did these guy's know you were there?

Henry

Thanks Henry and yes this little duck knew i was there but he seemed preocupied and just went wherever the Mallards went. I saw what I believe is the same duck this morning just down river but he was quite a bit more skitish this time around.



And a big thanks to Stan, Shirley, Mitch, Jamie, Rob, Tony, gary, Wayne, Mike, Eric, scokar and Douglas for taking the time to look and to comment:D

[downywp]

Excellent shots and one of my favourite ducks, sharp with beautiful colours and poses! That water colour is simply fabulous! :)

[Gary Fairhead]

Excellent shots and one of my favourite ducks, sharp with beautiful colours and poses! That water colour is simply fabulous! :)


Thanks and yeah the water color was on my mind while taking these:D Might as well take advantage when those elements present themselves:D

[dancad]

Very nice shots Gary. Nice to see the red eye combined with this plumage...

[WATRFOWLWDOMAKR]

Hey everybody. I am an avid waterfowler. Been doing it for 20yrs now.
Didnt have the zoom to get out and reach them last season, but I got one now and thinking about another one.
Just was wondering on a few starter tips. I like getting them in flight. Luckily the sun comes up from behind the blind I hunt so the lighting will be great on sunny days.
I have gotten comfortable shooting in AV mode, I know its a learning exp but can some one point me in the right direction.
I have no problem shooting panning shots. I just need a good reference point on AP and ISO. Then work from there. A little help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Wdomakr

[MicheleRF]

Oh my gosh, how very cute! Superb shots of this youngster Gary, love 'em all!