A Ruddy Duck Outing
Canon 5DIII camera with Canon 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x extender: 1/2500 second at f/6.3 on ISO 800
The Ruddy Duck is an odd creature. Blue bill, white cheeks, russet toned back feathers with liberal sections of black and motley brown. I find them to be a beautiful bird but I wouldn’t take issue with someone who felt differently.
Canon 5DIII camera with Canon 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x extender: 1/1600 second at f/6.3 on ISO 1600
Canon 5DIII camera with Canon 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x extender: 1/2500 second at f/6.3 on ISO 1600
Along with photographing Yellow-winged Blackbirds and Eared Grebes during my last visit to Frank Lake, there were several Ruddy Ducks that swam nearby and were caught within my viewfinder.
Canon 5DIII camera with Canon 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x extender: 1/2000 second at f/6.3 on ISO 1600
The males were more prevalent, swimming in the open away from the reeds. I’m not sure whether the females were shy or, more likely, staying close to their nests. A few did pass by, this one came right in front of the blind providing a nice opportunity for me.
Canon 5DIII camera with Canon 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x extender: 1/1250 second at f/6.3 on ISO 800
The males came and went, chasing each other occasionally but mostly just skimming their bills along the water catching insects.
Canon 5DIII camera with Canon 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x extender: 1/5000 second at f/6.3 on ISO 1600
Canon 5DIII camera with Canon 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x extender: 1/5000 second at f/6.3 on ISO 1600
These ducks are known for their spiky tail which they often hold straight up when on display. They seem very formal, almost like a soldier in uniform and at attention, when they do.
Canon 5DIII camera with Canon 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x extender: 1/3200 second at f/6.3 on ISO 1600
Very cool birds. I’m hoping to see their ducklings on my next visit to the Frank Lake Conservation Area.
Canon 5DIII camera with Canon 500mm f/4 lens and a 1.4x extender: 1/3200 second at f/6.3 on ISO 1600
