Wood Duck drake – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/320, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 330mm, natural light
Just a simple Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) drake image today. I found this handsome bird chasing around mallards on Lake Seminole, he was acting very territorial.
I’ve found Wood Ducks to be a challenge to photograph because of the high contrast in their plumage coloring. I want visible detail in the blacks and the whites plus the darks need to be light enough to show the iridescence blues, greens, purples, golds and aqua.
When I photographed this Wood Duck drake I remember wishing that we had high thin clouds to diffuse the sunlight a bit. It still worked out okay though.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Wood Duck photos plus facts and information about this species.
I never tire of looking at wood ducks. You have captured this drake in all of its colorful glory!
Thank you Julie!
Beautiful shot, Mia. I love these guys, but don’t get many chances to see them here. You nailed it. 🙂
Thanks Bob, I was pleased with the results I got with this drake.
Stunning Mia!
Thanks Laurence!
Great light and color on this Wood Duck drake.
Thanks Maria, they are beautiful ducks.
Excellent Photo Mia. I am still trying to get a good one of these for my files.
Reid, they are a challenge with the high contrast colors, the darks, whites, and bright reds. I hope I see more of them here in Utah so I can get more practice with them.
Gorgeous image Mia, I have yet to come across this beauty:)
I hope that you see a Wood Duck soon Susan!
Wonderful shot. I love these ducks. I was really stoked to see my first Wood Duck this spring.
Thank you Scott, they are terrific subjects and beautiful ducks.
FANTASTIC photo!!!! I love all your posts. A real treat!
Thanks Nicole!
yes, yes yes..the colors are magnificent. What a great photo..
Thank you Syl, wood ducks are gorgeous.
I find these ducks to be so beautiful. You got every detail here. Wonderful image!
Thank you Julie.
Great photo Mia.
Thank you Bob, they are great subjects.