After I photographed the handsome Gadwall drake that I shared yesterday I couldn’t resist taking images of this alert and dapper Mallard drake in the snow. I didn’t know how long the sunlight would last and I wanted to photograph as many birds as I could while I had light.
Dapper Mallard drake in snow – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Mallards are abundant throughout North America and sometimes I think they get overlooked as subjects. Me? I am fond of them. The drake mallards with their iridescent green heads, curly tail feathers, and bright yellow bills appeal to me as much as any other birds do. So do the females even though they aren’t as flashy as the males of this species.
There were hen Mallards in the water and resting in the snow near this drake. I enjoyed his pose, the way he stood out from the snow, and the lovely afternoon light I had when I took this photo of him.
Even though we are in the depths of winter the Mallards at my local ponds are getting ready for spring. They are already mating and the drakes are chasing the hens. When I look at my long range forecast for the next 10 to 15 days it looks pretty dreary but these dabbling ducks remind me that spring isn’t all that far away. On the dreariest winter days that seem to last forever, I appreciate that reminder.
I’m not wishing winter or the precipitation that has come with it this winter away but I do long for warmer days and more daylight hours. Soon all of that will be upon us. I know that.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mallard photos plus facts and information about this species.
He’s a looker! I’ve always enjoyed watching both male and female Mallards and fortunately, there are several that hang out in and around my neighborhood.
A truly gorgeous bird. I am relishing your wintry scenes. We are in summer and I am wishing it away. I will miss the light – but not the heat. My MS thrives in heat and I loathe it.
Dapper InDeeD!