I enjoy photographing even the most abundant ducks at my local city ponds. I simply couldn’t resist taking images of this calling Mallard drake two days ago.
Calling Mallard drake on an urban pond – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My position for photographing this Mallard drake was perfection. The light angle I had seemed to intensify the vibrant green plumage of the drake’s head tenfold. I don’t think his head could have looked any greener than it did that bright winter morning.
While I was taking photos of the Mallard drake a man with a dog walked close to the eastern edge of the pond which stirred up all of the ducks including this drake. The drake called when I snapped this image.
I had all kinds of funny ideas for captioning this photo but in the end decided that a simple title was best.
Female Mallards quack when they call. Male Mallards have a raspier call than females. The differences can be heard on AllAboutBirds.org.
These urban Mallards have been courting for weeks now. When it gets a bit warmer these dabbling ducks will find nesting spots nearby, even in the city. They often nest in people’s yards near the ponds or along the Jordan River Parkway Trail.
I loved having this handsome drake Mallard in my viewfinder. I was outside on a sunny morning so my day was great!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mallard photos plus facts and information about this species.
Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! I need to get out around some riparian environs ASAP! The neighborhood Mallard group (1 male and 2-3 females) flew the proverbial “coop” during COVID — not sure where they ended up, but they’re not hanging around in the couple of yards they used to use as home base.
The colors are stunning. How green can green be? I think we’re looking at it. Thanks Mia.