Mallard ducklings lined up on a log – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I saw and photographed quite a few lovely birds yesterday including some MacGillivray’s Warblers which I have found difficult to locate let alone take images of but today I wanted to share some Mallard duckling photos instead of the more attention grabbing birds I took images of yesterday.
Why?
Because Mallards are so common in North America that I believe they are often overlooked and passed by without a thought. I’m a bird photographer so when given the opportunity I photograph them.
Also, these ducklings are pretty cute.
Two Mallard ducklings on a log in a creek – Nikon D500, f9, 1/320, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The ducklings were all on a log in the creek when I first saw them. It didn’t take them long before they all left the log and joined their parents in the water. One by one their floofy little bodies settled onto the surface of the creek and bobbed around.
Nine Mallard ducklings floating in a creek – Nikon D500, f8, 1/320, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The tiny Mallard ducklings stayed close together and weren’t far behind the hen. I liked how the morning sun helped them to stand out from the darker colored water in this frame.
Mallard duckling walking on a log in a creek – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
For a bit my focus switched over to photographing Cliff Swallows gathering mud on the creek bank to build their nests and when they flew off I turned my attention and my lens back to the Mallard ducklings.
Pair of Mallard ducklings – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I took a lot of photos of the Mallard ducklings. Some were of single ducklings, some were taken of two or three together, and some were of all the ducklings that I could see or fit into my viewfinder.
Mallard ducklings about to re-enter a creek – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I know from experience that when I post Mallard photos and write about them here on my site that they don’t seem to get as many views as other birds do.
But here is my thing, when I started writing about the birds I see in the field more than ten years ago what I wanted to do was share the beauty of the birds I find through my photos and to tell the stories behind the images. For me that means all of the birds, even the less popular species.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mallard photos plus facts and information about this species.
Appreciate any and all pics you post of birds. No such bird as “common”, all unique and remarkable
Likewise here. My whole family loves ducks. Although no one in my family hunts, I do have one brother who collects hand carved duck decoys as pieces of art. Some of the carvings are incredibly beautiful. Ducks rule!
Your duckling pics are wonderful. Thanks Mia.
I’m another Mallard lover! The males are so striking and the females have always reminded me of tabby cats for some reason. Plus, they look like they’re smiling. 🙂 I haven’t been out and about much during the pandemic, so I’ve missed our very local Mallards and their ducklings strolling around the neighborhood. Thank you for sharing some new life today.
Add me to the list (hopefully the long list) of people who love them.
Fluffy, feathered enchantment.
I’ve gotta prove you wrong, Mia. I love them too!
They are adorable. I am always happy when I see mallards out in the wild rather than city parks where the water develops botulism in July and August.
Ducklings are very adorable at this stage and I thought that people would love them, as they are so cute and grow up very quickly. Stay safe and enjoy the week-end.
Absolutely adorable.
I have never noticed how beautifully marked their faces are when they are ducklings. Lovely photos. Thank you for helping educate me.
Nothing like the sound of baby quacks
Ducks, jjust love them.