Ivan Sjogren
04-07-2019, 12:28 PM
This is a male Common Pochard, a species considered “vulnerable” by IBC Lynx. It has a very big distribution though but requires quite special swampy lakes near good forests. It looks very similar to the Canvasback in North America but the blue patch on the bill and the general shape is quite different. It's a very difficult bird to get close too and that is in a part of the world where ducks in general are quite hard to photograph.
I found a lake near my hometown some years ago where I got opportunities I could only dream off before. Since then I visited this place each spring when these guys arrive back to their breeding grounds. I scouted the place last week to see if the birds had arrived, they had! I also walked round the whole lake planning where to set up my hide.
Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, so I decided that it was time to go for it. I was quite happy with this shot when the group swam by in the last light. That red eye in direct sunlight is to die for!
All comments and suggestions welcome!
Canon 5D Mark IV | Canon 500mm f/4.0 L USM IS II | ISO 800 | 1/5000s | f/5.6
I found a lake near my hometown some years ago where I got opportunities I could only dream off before. Since then I visited this place each spring when these guys arrive back to their breeding grounds. I scouted the place last week to see if the birds had arrived, they had! I also walked round the whole lake planning where to set up my hide.
Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, so I decided that it was time to go for it. I was quite happy with this shot when the group swam by in the last light. That red eye in direct sunlight is to die for!
All comments and suggestions welcome!
Canon 5D Mark IV | Canon 500mm f/4.0 L USM IS II | ISO 800 | 1/5000s | f/5.6