I keep saying I’m not a bird photographer (I’m really not!), but birds keep finding their way in front of my viewfinder lately. Who am I to NOT try to photograph them?
These four mallard ducks (two drakes, two hens) were with another pair on one of two ponds in Spring Creek Basin that currently have water (which is in itself something special, given our dry conditions). They took off when I approached … and circled … then came back to land.
Super bummed that this shot is out of focus, just as one pair of ducks was landing on the water. But I love the position of their wings, and so I say it’s worth sharing.
This is another pair – landing flaps are down and ready!
Just about to touch down …
And splash landing! I caught the actual contact with the water, but the drake was blocking the hen, so I liked this image better. Watching them drop right over the pond and into the water is a lesson in flight dynamics, I’m sure! Not quite vertical, but it was a much steeper approach than I expected.
They (not necessarily these specific birds) are visitors every year … and every year, it surprises me that they’ve managed to find these spots of open water in the desert. Love having them. 🙂
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
It’s so special to have diversity in the basin. Water is life giving in so many ways.
So absolutely, wonderfully true – on both counts. 🙂
Love the duck pictures! We have them here every spring and summer!
I bet you have a wide variety of ducks and other birds, Karen?? Must be so cool to see them all. 🙂
Who says you’re not a bird photographer, TJ! These are great duck photos, and I’m so glad there’s still some pond water out there for them to find.
SO glad. Most of the ponds are dry – no snow to fill them. 😦 As Trish said, this is a life-giving source to more than just the mustangs.