I made a quick trip to Longmont to visit my parents. Though I was ostensibly there to see them, I couldn’t resist a quick detour to a nearby open space while my kids were playing with Grandma. I’m glad I went! There were many subjects, including ducks, geese, and gulls. As a bonus, the ducks were much less skittish than my previous (frustrating) duck photography outing. The Northern Shovelers (Anas clypeata), in particular, were great. As always, click on any image in the post for a larger version.
The Ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) were everywhere. I like the sweet light on this bird against the dark clouds.
The Common Goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) would not get close enough for a frame filling shot, so I tried for a wider perspective. It is harder than one might guess to get all three ducks facing the same direction.
I love shooting in raking light (i.e. off of the sun angle). The catch light and “glowing” feet make this one work. Be sure to click on the image to see it full size.
I’m not certain what is going on with this bird. Molting? Juvenile?
Though it may not be apparent from the web-sized jpeg, the sharpness and detail in this image is breathtaking. Great light, perfect head angle, and the water droplet off the beak make this one of my favorite shoveler portraits.
Finally, a Common Merganser (Mergus merganser). This is one of the last images of the day. I like how the setting sun spotlights the bird’s head while its body is hidden in shadow.
