Gadwall aerobatics

The male Gadwalls are pretty frisky this time of year and often fly around in groups, each seemingly trying to out-do the other in flying skills. I was lucky enough to get this sequence today at Sackville, New Brunswick.

You don't necessarily think of ducks are aerobatic but this image shows they can do some amazing things in the air. I really like the way they keep their heads horizontal as their bodies twist and turn. The male on the left just looks on as the other two make fools of themselves in front of the females below!!

Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Lens: EF400mm f/5.6L USM @ 400 mm
Program: Manual
ISO 800, 1/1250s, f/6.3
Exp. comp.: 0.0
Flash: no flash, Flash exp. comp.: