Category Archives: Duck

Wood Ducks in the Duck Weed

June 10, 2017 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

With very few ducks around to consume the Duck Weed it is covering a larger portion of Ravenswood Pond than a month ago. It gets moved around by the wind and concentrates at the edges where you can get the closest photographs of the Wood Ducks. On the plus side there is less glare.

The female Wood Duck was taking a break from her chicks. They were sticking together and wasted no time moving away from perceived danger. Based on the ducklings size this could be the group that a few weeks ago numbered around a dozen, now down to five.

Wood Duck Ducklings – click photo for larger view

One male was at the other end of the pond where the duck weed pattern is different with large gaps out in the middle of the pond for a nice reflection. The water is deeper here–the larger alligators can swim without sticking out of the water.

Male Wood Duck and reflection – click photo for larger view

Birds, Duck

Wood Ducks and Choices

June 3, 2017 Ellen Jennings 9 Comments

Sometimes you have to choose.

I got a shot of the Wood Duck pair and not surprisingly she started to move. I followed her with my lens, getting a very clear reflection shot when she eased into the water.

By the time I looked back to see what the more colorful male was up to he was gone.

Birds, Duck, Photo Challenge

WPC: Reflecting

May 16, 2017 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

Does a Duck See His Reflection?

Reflecting Blue-winged Teal — Blue-winged Teal performing a stretching ritual in the morning sun after a round of preening,

Click on photo for larger view.

See other photographers’ submissions at Reflecting

The Daily Post Photo Challenge:

“What have you seen recently that has changed your perspective on the view?”

Duck, Wildlife

A Duck Tale

April 29, 2017 Ellen Jennings 5 Comments

Mother Wood Duck and seven ducklings climbed onto the Alligator ramp for some grooming and rest.

Wood Duck with Ducklings – click on photo for larger view

Drowsy, without a care in the world, after a bit everyone settled down and Mom stood watch. I thought these ducks were taking a risk: they don’t call it an Alligator platform for nothing!

Dad patrolled the waters.

Look carefully to the left of the Drake and you will see an Alligator body part is sticking out of the water just a smidge. I didn’t see this until I was developing these photos.

Wood Duck with Alligator Lurking – click on photo for larger view

I did suspect that something was about to happen because the Drake let out a squawk, reversed course and paddled away.

Mama also sensed something was wrong.

I missed them exit from the platform but those ducklings were just about running on the water to get out of there.

When I glanced back the platform had a new occupant.

Alligator – click on photo for larger view

The ducklings and mom disappeared towards the other side of the pond, with a tale of survival, this time.

Birds, Duck

In My Shadow

March 23, 2017 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

The females of most species of ducks are drab in comparison to their male counterparts, at least in breeding season.

This female Blue-winged Teal blends right into her swimming partner, overshadowed by his brilliant head that also makes a nice reflection.

Birds, Duck

Ducks Being Ducks

March 7, 2017 Ellen Jennings 6 Comments

Duck behavior has a rhythm to it: eat, preen, paddle, splash… then repeat. This Blue-winged Teal added some stretching moves to his paddling that showed off his color.

Occasionally they make a big splash as this trio did, moving about 10 feet down the pond as an alligator raised his head nearby. Reflections from the budding trees on the other side of the pond added some color interest to the water.

No one was hurt and calmness returned almost immediately. The direction and slow movement of this male Teal swimming back up the pond put him in the perfect spot for exposure and reflection.

Click on any photo for larger view.

Birds, Duck

American Wigeon

March 3, 2017 Ellen Jennings 5 Comments

I’ve spotted American WIgeons off and on at Magnolia’s Audubon Swamp since the middle of January. Up until today they were always at the shady end of the pond resulting in poor shots.

Today I finally got some nice photographs of ducks in the sun as they were having an early morning swim down the side of the pond. A pretty bird even without the iridescent green head stripe, some of the males are now sporting their breeding colors.

Click on photos for larger view.

Birds, Duck

Wood Duck

February 16, 2017 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

A few Wood Ducks have been around the ponds at Magnolia Gardens over the last month. With the males’ color scheme they are easy to pick out in a crowd of ducks. That and they are usually retreating faster than the rest, having been aware of a human before you spot them.

This day they were gathered at the far end of the big pond. I waited at an opening in the brush for them to edge their way closer.

Back and forth, I finally got a couple of shots without too much glare on the water.

Birds, Duck

A Flash of Color

February 12, 2017 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

The male of the Blue Winged Teal pair flashes a range of blue and green in his wing feathers. The female has a subtle hint of green in view while she is grooming.

Click photo for larger view.

Animals, Duck

Hey…follow me…

February 9, 2017 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

I know the way…

In late afternoon at Middleton Place’s barnyard most of the animals are rounded up and secured for the night. This is for their safety and for some, to keep them from causing mischief. I think this sheep had mischief on his mind as he pointed the way further from his pen.

While the sheep and some Guinea Hens were being corralled these Mallards were zooming back and forth through the horse enclosure. They stayed in a straight line, flashing their orange feet and iridescent heads, anxious not to miss any feeding opportunities.

Click on photo for larger view.

Middleton Place, Charleston, SC, 2/6/2017