diving ducks and others: You have to be a bit lucky to catch any of the diving ducks at the right time, but actually, on this occasion, I had more fun catching the variety of splashes...

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

You have to be a bit lucky to catch any of the diving ducks at the right time, but actually, on this occasion, I had more fun catching the variety of splashes after the duck-dive. I was also allured to the portrait possibilities of the canvas backs and this one is one of my better shots. And then, to my surprise, this sandpiper (help on the id please) decided to come in and walk right in front of me. Got lucky, IMO, with the lighting. All these were shot with my Sony a9 and the 600 with a 1.4 attached (840mm). Hope you enjoy and as always, constructive criticism is appreciated.

(Download)

Bill_de Loc: US

Some beauty, some humor, makes for a very nice set!

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Jay Drew Loc: Boise, Id.

Got a good laugh from the second one. “Gone Diving” They are all good.

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

Very nice set. I can relate...Bufflehead and other diving ducks can be a real challenge to photograph. No sooner after focusing. they usually dive under.
But that's part of the fun.

I believe that's a Redhead not a Canvasback.
I believe this is a Spotted sandpiper.
Im curious where you took these.

I live south of Tucson an

d find these in Green Valley

Keep at it

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

jdtonkinson wrote:

Very nice set. I can relate...Bufflehead and other diving ducks can be a real challenge to photograph. No sooner after focusing. they usually dive under.
But that's part of the fun.

I believe that's a Redhead not a Canvasback.
I believe this is a Spotted sandpiper.
Im curious where you took these.

I live south of Tucson an

d find these in Green Valley

Keep at it

I went to Historical Canon Ranch, just south of you. Exit the 19 at Canoa Rd, left under the freeway then north on the east frontage road I'd guess about a mile, maybe less. Entrance on your right. There is a pond in there with quite a few ducks. Relatively tame.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Very nice set!

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Cool! Everybody busy doing something!

Marg Loc: Canadian transplanted to NW Alabama

I love these, Frank, especially the splashes! Really fun set!

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Marg wrote:

I love these, Frank, especially the splashes! Really fun set!

Hi Marg, Getting these guys with bill partially submerged but the eye still visible with a catchlight would be my objective. But, even at 20 fps the timing needs to be perfect and 90% of the time you miss it. You get a lot more with the bird partially submerged with varying patterns of splashing water. While shooting these guys, I found myself looking at the water patterns more interesting than the position of the bird itself and kept thinking of a title for a post of "how many duck dives have you missed". For me, a lot. Thanks for the look and wishing you a happy holiday season!

Valsmere Loc: New Jersey

Great shots!

phv Loc: Goleta, California

Very nice set!

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good series, Nalu.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Very nice. Good captures of water arcs.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

jdtonkinson wrote:

Very nice set. I can relate...Bufflehead and other diving ducks can be a real challenge to photograph. No sooner after focusing. they usually dive under.
But that's part of the fun.

I believe that's a Redhead not a Canvasback.
I believe this is a Spotted sandpiper.
Im curious where you took these.

I live south of Tucson an

d find these in Green Valley

Keep at it

I think you are right about the red head. Thanks for the ID.

crafterwantabe Loc: Mn

Nice shots