Oh my goodness, what a tender sight it was.
1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 420mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
I was wandering around a local pond with my youngest daughter when we saw this Pacific Black Duck behaving a little strangely – we quietly watched and waited. And then we spotted the reason.
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
This egg-sized duckling was zapping about in the reeds. It still has its temporary egg tooth at the end of its bill. They use their egg tooth to scratch and scrape and poke their way out of the egg.
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
The duckling was darting around so quickly that I wasn’t sure if 1/1600th of a second would be fast enough to capture it. Indeed, it often wasn’t. Pardon the ‘indeed’, it’s a wonder I haven’t been saying ‘apropos’ or ‘mon dieu’ as I’ve just finished reading Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo‘. Trying to focus on the duckling’s minuscule eye was pretty interesting.
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
You can see from the swirling water in each of the photographs above, that the duckling was paddling and swirling pretty rapidly. Its markings are already very similar to an adult blacky. The distinctive dark line through its eye is a helpful diagnostic feature.
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400mm L IS USM EXT
And then this tiny bundle of fluff paddled across to the shallowest water, raised itself up and shook. Its tiny wings haven’t yet sprouted but if they had it would have stretched them in the same way we see adult blackies raise themselves up and shake their wings.
As I was watching this little one disappear in and out of the reeds I saw the adult bird looking across the pathway and I heard some very tiny cheeps. There, in the long grass were four or five more ducklings. They were alone which was puzzling. The adult bird raced towards them and the little family scurried back to the pond.
Within a couple of days three duck-related things happened. I photographed this little series, I received a brilliant email from Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting and the following quote popped into my inbox at the end of a Wordsmith message: “When a man wantonly destroys one of the works of man we call him vandal. When he wantonly destroys one of the works of god we call him a sportsman.” Joseph Wood Krutch, writer and naturalist (25 Nov 1893-1970). Now is a good time to send another note to the Premier and your local MP. We are getting there, the tide is definitely turning and hopefully little ducklings like this one will soon be safe from shooters.
If you have a moment I’d love to know which duckling shot you find most evocative.
Happy birding, stay safe, Kim
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I love all your photos Kim.
I back onto a park and Regatta Waters Lake in Oxenford. Since January of this year a black Pacific duck started to visit my yard every day. I did some research and started to provide the right food, and water which I clean and refill every time they visit.
I’m convinced there are different ones that come, because 1 set is a pair that sits and rests after they eat. Watching the passing parade through the iron fence. It’s hilarious to watch. Others come and feed in a hurry like thieves. There is a feisty one that chases others away, then stands guard while the other one eats. The problem is, it’s very hard to tell the difference between males and females. I have searched and read everything I could find. They are so sweet. They quack quietly, and wiggle their tail, as if to say thanks before they fly off.
I can’t understand for the life of me, why people would want to shoot them. I adore these graceful birds.
I also have Peewee’s wild pigeons, and 2 Galahs that visit. I don’t use pesticides or weed killers on my lawn and never have for this reason. Not to mention it would wash into the lake with the rain!I have taken some very poor videos if you’d like to see.
Thanks for your kind comment and beaut story about the ducks that visit you. I 100% agree about the shooters, it sickens me and I’m dreading the coming season. I’ve just looked up Regatta Waters and it looks like a beaut place to live!
I love them ALL and couldn’t choose without feeling mean!!!
That’s cute Tess!
They are all superb photos Kim but my favourite is the last one – perhaps that’s because it’s less usual to see them (almost) out of the water. Also you see the wet feathers/down. And, finally, the background is so simple. Fiona
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Fiona, and for explaining why. I’ve never photographed a duckling doing what this one did, with its comical little shake, Kim
What a lovely moment to experience Kim. I just love ducklings, we found a separated one when we were kids and our neighbours raised it in the incubator and then pens with his chickens until it was big enough to fly. We like to think we have seen it return each year and after a while it had a mate come back each time too which was so nice.
As for the photos it’s number 3 of the duckling for me. Looks like it has turned its head to give you its best side.
Oh my goodness Bec, what a wonderful experience that would have been with your duckling. Now you’re the second person to like number 3 ducking, it’s so interesting to hear the different preferences, thank you for sharing your reasons too. Wouldn’t it be great if they really would pose for us!
What a delightful series of photos, Kim. Beautiful photography of a most endearing subject. Number 4 captivates me.
So glad you like the series Margot, and thank you for letting me know you mean number 4 including the adult! I’ve just checked the other comments and think I interpreted them correctly.
Such darlings, Kim. We have various ducks where I work and I adore duckling time, always counting each just to check (not that I can do anything) and I’m just so proud of mum & dad when none are missing. One breed seems to have an allocated crèche for the day and the duckling number just keeps growing – so privileged that you share your gorgeous photos, thanks Kim
I do the counting thing too Syndy! The biggest group I’ve found so far was 29 Maned Duck ducklings, and two weeks later there were still the same number. It’s absolutely astounding really. Ducks are such good parents. I hope they all stay safe at your workplace 🙂
I love these ducks captured perfectly by your photos!
Thanks heaps Stephen. I always feel an extra pang of emotion when photographing our native ducks.
Oh my. Oh my, oh my, oh my.
If I had to choose one, I would go for the last – in the hopes that this tiny duck and so many others can ‘grow into its wings’. This is a spectacular and heart warming series. Many, many thanks.
And, on the good news front – for the last few days we have been regularly seeing a sparrow. Just one, but it is the first we have seen in many a long year.
How interesting about your sparrow! I hope it’s sign of better conditions in general. I’m especially glad that you like the duckling series. That shot is my favourite but my technical bias sometimes comes into play so I’m pleased to hear it’s your favourite too.
I love all the duckling photos but the one that stands out for me is the little one raised up and having a shake. It has great character.
I’m so pleased that that little one is well-liked, Jennie. Thanks heaps for letting me know.
Great pics Kim, the last one for me.
That’s excellent, thank you Neville. I thought other people might prefer one of the more traditional looking shots.
Ohhh all these pics are so divine! I just love how you can capture the beauty of our waterbirds so perfectly. Just exquisite!
Definitely a good time to write to MPs!
Oh thank you Alyssa! I’d love to know which you think would be most effective for CADS or RVOTDS.