I visited my local ponds yesterday morning even though the sky was gray and snow was falling. One of the birds I photographed was this male Mallard resting in the snow.
Male Mallard resting on snow – Nikon D500, f10, 1/640, ISO 800, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As I photographed the Mallard, I thought about my mom. That was my first connection. When I was about 6 years old, I remember my mother knitting a sweater that had a drake Mallard on the garment.
At that age, I had no idea how hard knitting was, let alone how difficult it must have been to knit a duck in flight on the back of it.
It was a good memory to have, and I could almost feel my mom’s presence.
Male Mallard watching me photographing him – Nikon D500, f10, 1/500, ISO 800, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
About the time I finished that thought, the sound of my camera shutter seemed to catch the drake’s attention. The male duck started tilting his head sideways as he looked directly at me.
Maybe he was trying to figure out where the sound was coming from; perhaps he wasn’t.
Me? In that moment I felt a connection between the drake Mallard and myself.
I felt that I had to share at least one image of him that showed his head tilted as he looked directly at me.
Drake Mallard resting on a snowy morning – Nikon D500, f10, 1/500, ISO 800, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The light wasn’t great, but this bird was. Even though Mallards are abundant across the country, I still get excited when they are in my viewfinder. The connection I felt with this drake yesterday increased that excitement. The connection I had to the memory of my mom that I recalled as she knitted that sweater was an added joy.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mallard photos plus facts and information about this species.
These Mallard pics are so intimate all you need is a cup of tea between you to complete the picture. Wonderful shots despite the low light. Thanks Mia.
What a blessing to have that wonderful memory resurface! Beautiful capture as well.
Beautiful images and wonderful memories.
Beautiful bird, memories and connections. Thank you.
What a uniquely beautiful image of one of our most common birds!