In addition to the owls, I also came across quite a few ducks last weekend while in British Columbia, including wood ducks, mallards, wigeons, pintails, goldeneyes and shovelers. This male wood duck was kind enough to stop and pose for a portrait in front of a nice dark background. You can see why they are generally considered the most beautiful of all North American ducks. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 640, f/4 at 1/1000 of a second
Thanks Richard. I shoot with Nikon gear. I’ve been using the D300 with my longer lens (the 200-400mm f/4) and the D700 with my shorter lenses (the 70-200mm and the 17-35mm f/2.8 lenses). Recently, however, I picked up the D800 and have used that for most of my shooting over the past few months (all my Ecuador shots and the recent trip to see the snowy owls). I’ve been very happy with the D800 and it’s probably time to retire the D300.
Wow! First you knock me out with your owls, my favorite wildlife tied with ducks, and now you do the same with the wood duck! Just gorgeous. Love the sharpness, and at 400mm and handheld that is something else. Were you a neurosurgeon before you took up photography?
Yes, they do, but certainly not as common as the mallards. Sometimes you’ll see one or two wood ducks mixed in with the rest of the ducks and geese. Also, they are called wood ducks because they nest in the cavities of trees. I know that Prospect Park has installed a few nest boxes for them. And this is the best time of year to see one so next time you’re there check it out. If you go to the Audubon boathouse, Boden can jump on top of the giant fake wood duck.
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Aloha,
I am deeply impressed with the beauty of your photography. May I ask what you favorite camera and lens you shoot with the most?
wishing you all good things!
Richard Marks
Thanks Richard. I shoot with Nikon gear. I’ve been using the D300 with my longer lens (the 200-400mm f/4) and the D700 with my shorter lenses (the 70-200mm and the 17-35mm f/2.8 lenses). Recently, however, I picked up the D800 and have used that for most of my shooting over the past few months (all my Ecuador shots and the recent trip to see the snowy owls). I’ve been very happy with the D800 and it’s probably time to retire the D300.
Aloha Sean,
Thanks for the info on the gear you are using. Keep up the great work! You are one of my fav nature photographers!
Lovely photo!
/Anna
Very handsome indeed! They are so skittish, too. Its cousin the harlequin is also qujte beautiful. Superb portrait!
Yes, that’s true. I’ve yet to get close enough to a harlequin for good photos but have seen them off the coast near my mother’s house in Gloucester.
He wears the colors of Fall beautifully
STUNNING creature! Fabulous portrait!! Your work inspires me Sean!
Thanks Amanda.
so perfect, he doesn’t look real!!!1
Quack.
Wow! First you knock me out with your owls, my favorite wildlife tied with ducks, and now you do the same with the wood duck! Just gorgeous. Love the sharpness, and at 400mm and handheld that is something else. Were you a neurosurgeon before you took up photography?
Thanks Michael. Vibration reduction is a beautiful thing.
Fascinating to see so close-up! Do these wood ducks ever stop into Prospect Park? I feel like I’d remember seeing this guy. . .
Yes, they do, but certainly not as common as the mallards. Sometimes you’ll see one or two wood ducks mixed in with the rest of the ducks and geese. Also, they are called wood ducks because they nest in the cavities of trees. I know that Prospect Park has installed a few nest boxes for them. And this is the best time of year to see one so next time you’re there check it out. If you go to the Audubon boathouse, Boden can jump on top of the giant fake wood duck.
I’ve never seen so many colors in one place.
how beautiful !
Beautiful portrait! It really shows off the beautiful colors of the wood duck!
Who needs a color chart?! Just use this guy. Great shot Mr. Crane. ;-))