Miscellaneous Waterfowl

I went back to the pond that I found recently that had the ruddy duck and horned grebes (both firsts for me), This time, I found a couple buffleheads (also a first). But everything on the water had eyes waaaay too sharp to get any decent shots up close.

Of the four horned grebes, only one was in full breeding plummage (not the one I shot unfortunately). Perhaps I'll get a good shot before they leave.

#1) ruddy duck (male)
#2) horned grebe (male not yet in full breeding colors)
#3) bufflehead (male)

This pond is huge (it takes me about 20 minutes to walk around it) and so chasing the birds from one side to the other isn't really productive nor particularly fun.

Sweet! I wonder if we have any of those in Illinois. I haven't seen any yet, but then I just go to the same old places. No time for road trips these days. It's amazing how many different ducks I've seen in this forum! Thanks for posting these Loupey!

I love those blue bills on ruddy ducks!

It's not very often that I get a chance to sneak up on some blue-winged teals and a couple northern shovelers.

I wished I could have shot them from a lower POV but the reeds surrounding the marsh is 4'~5' tall and their eyesight is SHARP! So crouching low, I wait until their heads go under water, then sprint a half dozen steps and repeat. Finally in position as close as I dare, I pole vault the camera to vertical with the monpod and pop up to get a couple shots.

Both shot with a 1000mm lens setup.

Nice work, Loupey! :)

I also like the ruddy duck inthe first one most. In the second posting, I like the northern shoveller most, intriguing pose!

nice to see more species from you.

wow beautifull pictures thank you

Nice shots Loupey, I like that one of the norther shoveller.

The Shoveler sure has pretty colors, even though I understand they don't taste too good.

i really like that spoonie!