Drake Gadwall resting on a pond – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I don’t have nearly enough Gadwall photos in my portfolios and I honestly don’t know why that is the case since they are year round residents here in northern Utah. Two days ago there were several pairs of Gadwalls on Glover Pond at Farmington Bay WMA and I jumped at the opportunity to photograph them.
Drake Gadwalls always look elegant to me with their finely barred chests, gray backs with cinnamon feathers along with their black shiny bills. During this time of the year the drakes are beginning to look their finest in their Alternate or breeding plumage.
I see these dabbling ducks at the ponds that are close to where I live, at Farmington Bay WMA, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and beyond. Gadwalls mix in with other ducks and coots and will readily swipe the food the other birds bring up to the surface of the water.
I plan on paying more attention to Gadwalls and hope to have them in my viewfinder more often.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Gadwall photos plus facts and information about this species.
Gadwalls live to be more than 19 years of age………that amazes me! They are such pretty ducks!
Such a serene scene. I am drawn into the rippling of the water.
You are so right about their elegance.
I have an admiration for this Duck’s markings, as they are so intricate. like their black bottoms, too. Happy to see your photos of them.
I think we overlook them because they mix and “blend in” so well. When you get a close look at them, they are really beautiful in a more subtle way. So intricate!
Beautiful photo. Nice to see they have a nice long life span. Our Gadwalls showed up about a month ago. I agree, they are elegant.
Love ducks