I was thrilled to find and photograph a handsome drake Northern Pintail out on the auto tour loop of Bear River MBR on New Year’s Day morning.
Drake Northern Pintail standing on ice – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Northern Pintails are year-round residents in my area of Utah; I just don’t have them in my viewfinder as often as I would like. Considering that several vehicles had passed by me that morning, I felt fortunate that this drake was still hanging around close to the road.
Perhaps the people that passed me were moving way too fast to even see this duck in the marsh vegetation. Their loss was my golden opportunity with this pintail.
Northern Pintail on New Year’s Day– Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The drake Northern Pintail didn’t seem distressed by my presence in my Jeep, which allowed me to take quite a few images of him in the canal next to the road.
Pintails are striking, long-necked dabbling ducks. The pintail hens may not be as striking as the drakes, but they are gorgeous in their own right.
Drake Northern Pintail shaking his feathers – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The drake pintail even shook his feathers once, which allowed me to take this image through some phrags. The out-of-focus phragmites created a natural vignette in this frame. This was one of my favorite images from my trip around the auto tour loop on New Year’s Day.
Even though my trip to the refuge was a bit scary due to the heavy fog on the interstate, I had a marvelous time with the birds I found. It was a great, peaceful, positive way to start the New Year.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Pintail photos plus facts and information about this species.
I don’t think there is a duck enthusiast in the world who wouldn’t love these pics. The middle shot alone is so perfect it should be featured on Nature Magazine. Thanks Mia.
Mia, I like the one on the water with all the reflections. He looks quite serene. Thank you.
Beautiful subject with beautiful backgrounds!-Jeri S.
Lovely shots Mia. Happy New Year!
Wonderful to have such a positive start to the year. I hope your health is much better too.
Beautiful images!