Sometimes it’s almost essential to see something lovely, something joyous. I hope this week’s happy ducks bring you a smile or two.
I photographed this Grey Teal a while ago and seriously love the smile on its face. Its eye looks so red that it reminds me of a photograph I took of an Eastern Spinebill where its irises looked so red that I actually felt the need to desaturate them a little.
The look on this Maned Duck’s face is so comical. To me it looks as though we were sharing a good joke. I was using a prime 600mm lens which was a bit long when this beautiful bird came too close to take anything other than portraits. This duck and the others with it happily foraged around me for a few hours. There were plenty of other places they could have wandered to but they seemed almost curious about what I was doing. As I write this I’m imagining it from their perspective. I must have looked most peculiar lying on the damp grass amongst the duck poop.
I took this portrait on the same day as the ‘smiling’ one directly above and have shared it to show the difference a shaft of sunlight makes to an image. I love the added warmth and texture from the feathers of its ‘mane’ right down to the white tipped feathers of its lower neck and shoulders.
Wherever you are in the world I hope that nature brings you some smiles this week.
Happy birding, Kim
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I love the photo of the wood duck, especially her beautiful smile!
Aw thanks heaps D-LK!
The fact that the ducks gathered around you so closely,without fear, just shows what excellent judges of human character animals are – these birds can spot a good egg like you, when they see one!
I don’t think I am imagining it when I can see a kind of wisdom in the eyes of the beautiful Aussie Wood duck – as if it’s seen marvellous sights flying over the earth, that us clumsy humans have no clue about…
You’ve pretty much summed up my philosophy regarding bird photography Deirdre, and what I speak with photographers about when I’m making presentations or writing articles. If we make ourselves a quiet part of their environment we, and them, have a much better experience and better photography opportunities too. I’m sure there is wisdom in their eyes, and I totally agree with you about their experiences!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Definitely smile producing. Along with awe, wonder and delight.
I’ve just replied to comments from one or two night owls while you are clearly an early bird. I’m glad the photographs gave you a smile too.
This is a test comment and there is no need to reply. For the last few weeks I haven’t been getting follow up comment and I am trying again.
I’ll definitely reply EC… I wonder what’s happening. Please let me know if it continues to be an issue, thank you, Kim
The red eye and the pink mouth on the top photo makes for a stunning photograph. Yes, these brought a smile. Thank you.
So glad you like them Thomas! Leaving your comment in the middle of the night has made me wonder if you’re a night owl or overseas…
Beautiful! Gorgeous shots of our wonderful native waterbirds.
Thanks heaps Alyssa! Our waterbirds really are wonderful.