Photographers have to be ready to take advantage of fleeting moments like these.
1/2500, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Yesterday morning this male Redhead swam slowly through a small area where the colors of the green vegetation on the shore were reflected off of the water and into my lens. I got about a half dozen shots of him swimming through water reflecting colors and patterns I adore. Most of the photos were very similar except for the changing water patterns.
He reached down for a quick sip of water, some of which…
1/2500, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
dripped off the end of his bill. Both the water disturbed by his forward momentum and the water dripping off of his bill reflected blues from the sky, in sharp contrast to the dark greens in most of the rest of the water’s surface.
1/2500, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I can’t decide if I like the whirly-swirly water patterns in this photo or the previous one best, but I’m less fond of the more distorted reflection(s) of his eye in this shot.
The magic of this small area of water only lasted for a very short time. As both the subtle ripples on its surface and the angle of the morning sun changed, the patterns and reflected colors changed right along with them, and not for the better. And of course no other bird swam through this surprisingly small area of water before that happened.
Photographers have to be Johnnie-on-the spot to take advantage of transitory conditions like these.
Ron
You certainly captured the moment. Thanks for sharing such beauty.
Oh, I just love these so much! The colors and patterns are just incredible.
Really exquisite photos, Ron! I feel so fortunate to get to see your photos. Thank you for sharing them! We live surrounded by woods…deep woods on 2 sides and its so so green now. Come visit if you’re ever East!
I’m envious of your nearby woods, Mary I have to drive quite a distance to be in woods.
I am a beauty addict. The little things are HUGE in my world. And today you fed my addiction wonderfully. Thank you.
I love these photos but you are right, that eye reflection detracts a little from the magic.
Thank you, EC.
Beautiful. I don’t know why I did this but I looked at each picture turned upside down – with the first picture there is not that much difference. The second and third look quite different.
It’s fun to do that when there’s reflections, Frances. I’ve done it before too.
Wow. That first shot is my favorite. The third would, but I agree w you about the eye distortion. 🙂
Yeah, it’s slightly off-putting isn’t it Arwen.
Yes. I probably wouldn’t have noticed it without your tutelage, professor. 🙂
Monet would be green with envy! Really gorgeous colors, patterns and Redhead!
Thank you, Chris.
Very lovely colors!
Thanks, April.
Do you and your fans realize how truly lucky we are to appreciate the natural beauty all around us? I’ve mentioned before that my interest in photography taught me how to really see, and I’ve noticed over the years that I enjoy so much that others seem totally oblivious to. Maybe I have the cart before the horse. Maybe I glommed on to photography because I love natural beauty. In either case, I consider myself extremely fortunate and thank you for adding so much to my enjoyment.
Burrdoo, there’s no question that photography taught me to pay a lot more attention to “the little things” in nature than I did prior.
As a mentor of mine used to say: “Be at the right place at the right time with the right equipment and the right attitude.” You hit the grand slam with these shots.
Wise mentor, Marty. I’d add “pay attention” to the list. Thanks
Really rich, unusual colors……I must admit, too, that I never thought about
ducks ( and other waterfowl ) drinking water ! Of course, they’d have to, from time to time–but these three lovely images brought that thought to consciousness……I truly love waking up to your blog every morning.
Kris, when I first started photographing birds (and paying them much more attention) I was surprised by how often waterfowl drink water.
It’s as if the Rehead swam right into an impressionist painting. We are fortunate that you were there and prepared to capture the moment so that we csn linger to our heart’s content.
That’s it, Lyle – an impressionist painting!
Oh my, Ron! The only reason the water colors steal the show is because you sacrificed some precious sleep to be at the right place at the right time! Pretty sure this is the first time I’ve seen a Redhead’s tongue. Who knew it wasn’t red? Your photos are a gift I look forward to opening every morning.Thank you!
Diane, speaking of his tongue we even get to see it from two different angles when you include the reflection. And the reflection even allows us to see the underside of his upper mandible.
These moments are so fleeting that you can only contemplate the beauty on a photo.
Thank you for sharing.
Fleeting indeed. Thanks, Jerzy.
Beautiful Ron. Love shots like this and once made myself a photo book of just reflection shots very much like this one. Depending on the sky and clouds and sometimes surrounding vegetation you see so many variations in water color that can often change as you follow the duck’s journey. The Redhead’s colors and perfect catch-eye really stand out in this lighting. Excellent photos and excellent choice for this morning’s post.
I’m glad you like them, Everett. Thanks.
Beautiful! Luv reflections like that! 🙂 Redhead is nice too! 😉 Worth getting out for. 2nd shot appeals more to me than the third.
Thanks, Judy.
I love these shots Ron, great light and reflections! Hope your back is on the mend.
Thank you, Ken.
Lightening in a bottle. Well done. Just beautiful. Hard to pick a favorite.
“Hard to pick a favorite”
Michael, when it came down to it, I couldn’t.
Gorgeous! The kind of scene that leaves you breathless with awe. I’m glad you felt well enough to get out and enjoy it.
Granny Pat, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
Oooh, that green light!
Pretty neat, eh?