Just a duck? No, far from it.
A Mallard will turn up on any piece of water; even a puddle, given a chance. It’s the ‘duck’ most kids know, from throwing some bread, to feed it.
The duck that is probably one of the most trusting of humans. There’s not many birds that will take food from your hand.
And one of the most thrilling experiences to have; that connection with a ‘wild’ animal.
Here’s a few of the Mallard, coming to say hello.
I love ‘em!
38 comments:
I love them too. Wonderful shots. I cant wait for spring. You make my winter so hard to endure yet also at the sametime make me think Spring. I enjoyed this post.In fact loved it.
oh yes, they are fantastic, specially the last one is my favorite, great !!! have a nice day my friend !!!!
Thank you Lisa. Appreciate your comments.
Spring seems so far away at times, but no doubt will be here before we know it lol
Thank you Kathrin. They are such characters aren't they. Enjoy your day too :)
Fantastic flight photos. Great job.
Thanks JoLynne :)
They are real survivors. I noticed a few years ago they were cross breeding with domestic ducks but this seems to have stopped. I love watching them in flight.
Lovely pictures. I even had one in my garden pond for a few sort moments last year.
You`re right Keith, the Mallard is such a pretty bird, and it`s so common that most people just pass it by without a second glance as to its beauty. Great photos btw.
Hi Keith: I've just added a comment to FAB's blog about his duck pictures. The same applies to your duck pictures: I really like their range of colours and plumage and they certainly cheer-up a winter day. Hope you well and the return to work going ok.
They are great to watch when they land and you took some great photos of that moment!
I love them too Keith...and I love your photos :)
The Mallards always seem so full of character. I think they are extraordinarily beautiful too, if they weren't seen so often I think more people would appreciate their beauty.
Hi Keith...just wonderful..my favorite of all the "quacks" lol : }
That last shot is perfect timing and comical...
He looks like he is about to hit a brick wall!
Real nice; Big Hugs!!
Your pictures made my mouth drop open! What great captures!
Gosh! Great study! Bird in flight shot are the toughest captures in birdville and these are wonderful! The Pine river froze during the night so I fear "my" Mallards, who have been living on the stretch behind my house might be moving on. Your Blog is a treasurer. You've had great posts this week! :-)WBW
Yes, your right, they are wild, but it is only the bird that takes from your hand. Those pictures (in flight) are tremendous.
Thanks Adrian. They certainly seem to thrive almost everywhere.
The archetype duck.
Thanks John. They never fail to amaze me just where they turn up. If there’s water, they’ll be there.
Thanks Trevor. They are beauties aren’t they.
Thank you Emma. Yea, the return to work is, er, ok lol
Rather be out with the camera though ;)
Dreamfalcon, thank you for stopping by, and your comment. :)
Jan, you’re right. Because they are always there, we tend to overlook them.
Thanks Grammie. I reckon they’re the ducks duck.
EmptyNester, thank you for your comment. :)
Springman, thank you for your kind words. Appreciate them :)
Thank you Bob. :)
the mallard is a lovely bird. it has a happy smiley face and it happily poses for pics. and the drake is spectacular.
Thanks Pete. They are one of the Great ducks, I reckon. :)
Arent we so lucky to have this beautiful duck species be so plentiful? I couldnt imagine water without them--Great series Keith.
You've got some great on the wing photos of Mallards there. Boom & Gary of The Vermilon River.
I agree, they are really nice, bringers of joy in the winter time. Got a place close to home where they stay through the winter, and when I arrive they'll come flying towards me instead of away. Such a nice feeling knowing they appreciate you! Nice shots, by the way!
Mallards are my favorite duck (at least I can ID them LOL!) Your flight captures are incredibly good!!!
Thanks Dixxe. They're a real duck of the 'world', aren't they. :)
Thank you Gary. They are such willing posers when there's food about.
Øyvind, thank you. They really are one of the most friendliest of birds, and bring so much joy to a lot of people.
Thank you Jean, and thanks for stopping by. :)
That last photo is especially good!
Thanks Mick. Had a lot of fun taking these.
Wonderful birds! I don't think we have them here. The photos are fantastic, I especially like the one at the bottom.
great shots of those ducks, But what captured my attention is your header. Once, in my youth, that a long time ago, there was to swans in a pond close to home. A mutswan and a black one. I was a your mom then and kind of busy with the little girl. But I noticed the swans facing each other forming a heart with one white, one black side. I was quick with my camera but not quick enough, I did not get the pic but it is still in my mind. :)
Excellent flight shots Keith. I love them. I should think about taking pictures of the mallard some time...
And mallards hang about all winter to give us Birder/Photographers something to do!!
I love the low angle on the first shot. Were you on the ground when you took it? Also love the last shot as he's coming in for a splash landing!
Thanks JM, glad you enjoyed them :)
NatureFootstep, thank you; and what a lovely story, and memory.
Thanks Chris. The male is such a colourful bird, and yet often overlooked.
Harold, you are so right. They are perfect subjects :)
Thanks Kelly. First shot was I was just low down as they came in for a landing.
Can’t get right down so much these days lol
Well done Keith.
I must confess I do tend to overlook them . The last shot is great with his dropped landing gear.
Thanks Trevor. They're great ducks to watch, and they are so friendly.
For sure....I love them too Keith!
Thanks Lenora :)
Who wouldn't love these beauties? We have so many of then around here that they kind of fade into the background sometimes. But then the sun hits them just so.. and their colours are brilliant, and you see just how beautiful they really are. And when they look at you, they appear so intelligent.
Thanks Hilary. You're right, so many in some areas, they are often taken for granted, and overlooked. Always brighten my day when I see them, and hear the females loud 'laughing' quacks.
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