ajnorby Loc: Albany, OR

I have always enjoyed watching any wildlife and about 5 years ago decided to get serious about photographing wildlife. In the wildlife world I realized very early that birds out number any of the other animals.
A birder friend told be a "backyard" is considered any space within about 7 miles of your house. I was shocked when I realized I have photographed around 115 different species of birds in my "backyard" in Albany, Or.
Each species can be a different photographic challenge and I enjoy every one. Water is always an attraction for me so I do seem to get a lot of water bird shots. Photos are meant to be shown so I'll start with a Wood Duck and a Hood Merganser.

Wood Duck


Hooded Merganser


Showing off to his mate

DigitalDon Loc: Calgary, Alberta

Nice shots of both. I cannot get close to the hooded merganzer. Your hooded is a beautiful pic.

raysass Loc: Brooklin, On, Canada.

I just seen a Hooded Merganser for the first time last week.I had to ask UHH what it was.I'll post a pic. of mine.

(Download)

ajnorby Loc: Albany, OR

Thanks for the comments.
It helps a lot to have a blind to sit in.

raysass Loc: Brooklin, On, Canada.

Good for you.I was sitting in my car across the road from the pond. Ray.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

Keep them coming AJ, they are very easy on the eyes and I like your composition. :thumbup:

Selkii Loc: Oakland, CA & Vancouver Island

Stunning! All of them!

ajnorby Loc: Albany, OR

I have lots of duck photos so I'll keep adding more.
Once in a while I get lucky and catch a BIF.

Pair of Northern Pintail


Pintail out their element

firtree Loc: Florida, USA

All of your photos are just wonderful. That wood duck with the wing spread just blows me away. But I think the merganser is just stunning. (We only get them here for a month or two in the winter, and they are quite shy. I just can't capture them with any clarity.) Excellent posts!

moose19

:thumbup: :thumbup: wow just beautiful, nice going

ajnorby Loc: Albany, OR

Many ducks are divers that spend a lot of time under water so it is difficult to get any interesting action shots. It's a plus to catch them with water droplets or sticks on their back after a dive.

Note the ring around it's neck. It's not always easy to see but this is why it's call "Ringneck"


Droplets off the "Ringnecks" back

Sirius_one Loc: S.F. Bay Area

Excellent set. :thumbup: :thumbup:

raysass Loc: Brooklin, On, Canada.

You certainly have some beautiful water birds where you live.

ajnorby Loc: Albany, OR

I want to thank everyone for your comments
I'm going to finish by posting my final group of water birds. It will include the wading birds and the fish hunting birds.

Northern Shoveler pair


Male Shoveler


Female Shoveler


Canada Goose


Whoopers Swan


Blue Heron


Great Egret


Green Heron


Juvinile Green Heron catching lunch


Killdeer


Solitair Sandpiper


Yes, there is such a thing as a Snipe


Belted Kingfisher


How do I get this off my beak?


Osprey looking for food


Time to eat

raysass Loc: Brooklin, On, Canada.

Beautiful series.