Obligatory duck — better REALLY late than never

Yeah, sportsfans, hard to believe it, but in the time I've been a member I've never actually paid the price of admission. So here they are, a few obligatory duck images.

I was shooting marsh marigolds late this afternoon along the shore of Shagawa Lake near Ely, when this bold and brassy drake decided to make his way up the very creek I was lounging beside.

Cheeky drake, what?

All three with Canon 30D, Canon 100-400L IS, iso400, 1/100 at f8, handheld

Well, even in full camo you can't stay invisible when only 15 feet away from an obligatory duck.
320mm

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#'s 1 & 2 are my fav - 1 looks like he just saw you & tried to put on the brakes!

Great job Steve, you have finally qualified for admission . Warming up in Minnesota? Looks like it may have been over cast when you shot the Mallard.

Thanks guys. Yep, Dennis, it was overcast, though a light overcast with pretty diffuse lighting. We nearly hit 70 today, and they're calling for 70s and perhaps 80 over the next couple of days.

Hmm, summer in May.

Very good shots. The Mallard is a beautiful but often overlooked duck.

Nice shots Steve. I like the irridesence on the head but he looks like he's got one feather out of place on his Port side in the first two shots.

I noticed that, Stephen. He was a fairly willing fellow in the middle of a bad feather day, but I doubt he'd have stood for it if I whipped out a hair comb and primped him.

Nice shots Steve. I think that's an oar he forgot to pull in in his shock of seeing you.