Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

I went a bit crazy with these crazy Harlequin Ducks. They were quite fun to watch in the rapids which is where they choose to live. When an autopsy is done on one of these ducks they usually have multiple fractures that have healed. So while they choose to swim in rapids it does not mean they are immune to injuries from being tumbled in the fast moving water.

I know some are not fans of the slow shutter for water. I worked quite hard to get a few that were more or less sharp. Between the birds moving and all the people walking on the boardwalk shaking it, I took lots to get a few! When the sun was out the colors were super vibrant! They were also fairly far out in the river. Taken with a 600mm and 1.4 extender.

There will be parts 2 & 3 and, and, and as I can not pick favorites! Please bear with me. Speaking of bears, taking a break from them, back to bears soon! Love to hear what you like and don't like.

The males are just so pretty!

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They would just stand out in the rapids waiting to fish!

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Females are not as vibrant, but pretty too!

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Sometimes they would look my way with a "hey, aren't I pretty look"!

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I also caught them napping in the rapids...

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luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Very, very nice!!! I really like #5!!

Dodie

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

They are indeed quite pretty and colorful. Nice photos...

pumakat

Do they really eat fish?

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

I guess some small ones!

This species of duck is primarily carnivorous, though their diet is mostly invertebrates. They feed on insects, larvae, shrimp, small crabs, mussels, clams, snails, and small fish.

While foraging, they dive to capture prey, particularly in deeper waters. When they are in shallow waters they also dabble beneath the surface. They flip upside down with their feet in the air and use their long necks to forage for prey.

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Thanks so much!! Appreciate the comments!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Wow. Velvety water and sharp portraits. Quite the feat.

Susan yamakawa

I googled them - they’re almost extinct

pumakat

Thank you for your prompt reply. I had no idea their diet was so varied. I really appreciate the information. Beautiful birds, well captured!

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Outstanding set Beth

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Excellent set!

hettmoe Loc: Rural ND

Very nice!

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

beautiful, I'm surprised they held still for the long exposures to blur the water.

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Very nice photos...thy are beautiful. I like the compositions and the milky water
Fran

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Excellent series of beautiful ducks, Beth.