Drake Northern Shoveler in flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It isn’t easy to photograph some birds on the wing so I was thrilled yesterday to photograph a drake Northern Shoveler in flight. I was on the south side of the auto tour route at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge photographing a pair of Clark’s Grebes when I saw the shoveler swimming on the water. I know that these ducks are very skittish and that this one might take off. I focused on him through my viewfinder and when he took flight I was ready.
Northern Shovelers, like many other ducks, take off fast, fly fast and they are a challenge to track and photograph in flight. I was happy to see that the drake was sharp and in focus in most of my photos. I liked his wing position in this image.
Northern Shoveler drake in flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
In this photo I liked the view of his plumage patterns on his back. Not long after I took this photo the drake Northern Shoveler flew over the marsh vegetation and out of my sight.
I also photographed a Cinnamon Teal on the wing yesterday morning. I’ll share those photos on another day.
Life is good,
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Shoveler photos plus facts and information about this species.
I’m down with everyone….terrific shots! The colors are gorgeous. Thanks Mia.
Simply glorious. And shots which I could not even attempt, much less nail.
Wonderful colors and ducks in flight are always stunning.
Great shots!
Wow, great shots! It’s hard to be ready for bird-in-flight (BIF) shots, but you did it. Excellent!
Fantastic shots!
So glad you were ready for this beautiful bird to take flight