Photographing Hen And Drake Cinnamon Teals At Bear River MBR

Drake Cinnamon Teal next to the auto tour route at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with w.4x TC, natural light

I mentioned yesterday that my Merlin sightings were my best finds of my recent trip to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and they were because it was unusual to find two in one day but I also had opportunities to photograph other birds while I was there.

Among the birds I photographed at the refuge were hen and drake Cinnamon Teals. Normally I find them to be very skittish but spring hormones must be doing something because the teals were far more approachable than normal.

On the north side of the auto tour route I was able to take frame filling images of a drake Cinnamon Teal as he stuck close to a hen and the gravelly shoulder of the auto tour route. Not the prettiest of settings but he was so close and cooperative that I couldn’t resist taking his photo.

Hen Cinnamon Teal in lush spring growth – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with w.4x TC, natural light

Later in the morning and on the other side of the auto tour route I was able to take images of a hen Cinnamon Teal surrounded by lush, green spring growth while her mate kept an eye on her from a distance. I thought she looked very regal in the vibrant green setting.

I don’t have many opportunities with Cinnamon Teals at such close ranges so I jumped at the chance to photograph both the hen and the drake.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Cinnamon Teal photos plus facts and information about this species.