Common Goldeneye with an interesting water formation – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I took a series of a Common Goldeneye making waves as he landed in icy cold water in the marshes of Bear River MBR. The light angle wasn’t great and because of that we can’t see the green iridescence of the drake’s head in my photos. I might have deleted these photos except for the wave formations.
It was the waves and water stirred up by the landing male Common Goldeneye in my photos that caught my eyes. In this first photo of the landing drake Common Goldeneye my fast shutter speed froze the motion of the wave he created when he touched down on the surface of the water. This particular wave reminded me of the Art Nouveau period that occurred between 1890 and 1910.
Curvy, flowing, and sinuous. This wave could have been crafted from clear crystal.
These three photos are in sequential order.
Bow wave and a landing Common Goldeneye – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The artists during the Art Nouveau period drew inspiration from nature and during that period the works of the artists showed a sense of free movement and energy. The waves in these photos of the landing Common Goldeneye in my opinion are a wonderful example of movement and energy in nature. The bow wave in front of this drake may look frozen in this photo. We know that it wasn’t and that it was packed with energy.
On close inspection I can even make out the goldeneye’s shape and colors through the crystalline wave.
Common Goldeneye as seen through a water bubble – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The last photo of this series shows a big bubble in front of the drake Common Goldeneye’s chin and bill as the energy from the bow wave started to disperse.
It is said that art imitates nature and in these three photos I can certainly see how it can.
Life is good.
Mia
To see more of my Common Goldeneye photos plus facts and information about this species click here.
As if the Common Goldeneye wasn’t beautiful enough! I’m so glad I took an ONTHEWING break from my paperwork to see these images.
Count me among the admirers of this remarkable group of photos. The movement of the water is truly incredible and how you maintained eye contact with the Goldeneye while capturing these images is amazing. Brilliant. Thanks Mia.
Crystal, indeed. What beautiful images!
I love the waves. They did not fly when I was watching them. I was hoping to try some flight shots or stretching and flapping. They just swam back in forth in the small amount of open water they were in. The common mergansers left before I was even close to them.
April, they took flight whenever a harrier flew past, they seemed startled by the harriers.
Crystal or ice? I really love this series, and you are so right about that chilly wave.
EC, it does look like ice as much as crystal. Thank you 🙂
Hi Such a great group of photo’s! Love them and also the ones at the bottom of the blog! Wonderful shooting Honey!
Thanks Mom!
What a wonderful series of photos. Gorgeous!
Thank you Liz.