Photographing ducks in the wild can be very challenging. Ducks are smart, very aware of their surroundings, and they seem to have a sixth sense for detecting even the stealthiest of photographers. When I find a pond or shoreline where ducks are congregating, I just stop to watch them from a distance because when there are a few ducks, often others will join them. Slowly I make my way to a reasonable distance and try to stay hidden to get some shots. At least half the time, their sixth sense kicks in and I get only a series of butt shots as the flock lifts off. Believe me, I could do a complete photo book devoted to perfectly composed duck butt shots! Happily, this essay will focus on the more appealing aspects of ducks in flight.
Ducks fly fast except when they are taking off and landing on water. I am always entertained by the running start needed by Bufflehead ducks (show below) to achieve flight. They literally walk on the water with head down and wings flapping furiously to become airborne. Once in the air, these small ducks are like bullets as they fly close to the surface looking for the next spot to dive for food like aquatic crustaceans. Buffleheads are known as diving ducks as opposed to Mallards which are dabbling ducks.
Landing on water can be amusing like the unceremonious landing of the female Mallard shown in this essay. Since I was positioned in front of her as she came in for touchdown, I was able to capture the wobbly concentration needed to put on the brakes for a landing. Webbed feet act as skids when ducks hit the water. Unlike the Buffleheads, Mallards can take off without “running” because they push themselves out of the water with their larger and broader wings.
I must say there are few more beautiful and iconic sights than a flock of ducks flying over the wetlands of Chesapeake Bay. Although many species were hunted to the brink of extinction, conservation efforts by hunting organizations like Ducks Unlimited and other groups have succeeded in preserving and protecting these birds. Here I have shared some favorite images that take me back to those cool early mornings trying to hide and watching the ducks.
