"On the Waterfront" - Vol. #8

I lust for the sun to be to my back when I venture out into the world of nature. Such is not always the case but one can take advantage of a situation by skillfully positioning themselves in the right place, at the right time of day. As the sun moves across the sky, opportunities abound from various vantage points. I try not to waste my time where conditions are less than ideal. On Sunday, I spent about two hours under those near perfect lighting conditions, photographing several species of waterfowl. With that, I will start off a new "On the Waterfront" thread with a few photographs of one beautiful creature ...... the male Hooded Merganser.

Previous thread can be found at: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1124363/

His beauty can only be challenged (IMHO) by the Wood Duck. Here he is making a striking pose as he moves closer to the shoreline, and me.

Here is a pair of males swimming together ......

Another shot of the male a little farther out into the lake. These were taken at Centennial Lake in Columbia, MD.

Way across the lake were a number of waterfowl. Here is an adult Hooded Merganser, 4 females and a male Bufflehead.

I went to Centennial Lake to hopefully see the Redheads (18) that had been reported there a day earlier. When I got there, I didn't see any. I saw some ducks across the lake that were sleeping with their heads tucked away and I thought that they were Canvasbacks. But, patience pays off. In my last 30 minutes there, they raised their heads and swam toward me. They were indeed, Redheads.

A second photo of the two Redhead males that were present. I saw no females. Contrary to some waterfowl, Redheads seek out new mates each year, starting in late winter.

Around here, the Redhead is always a sought after duck by the birders. Everywhere I go someone will usually ask, "See any Redheads" !

Smashing shots, Charlie. The Redheads really look like they're heading off somewhere with great purpose. I love their expressions.

Well done Charlie! Love it when the sun shows colors that we don't see on cloudy days!

Thanks, Margaret & Mrs_Ed .....

Here are a couple of photos of a male Ring-necked duck. He was the only one that I observed.

Photo #2 of the male Ring-necked duck ......

One more of the male Ring-necked Duck ....... likewise a beautiful duck.

Centennial Lake is always a good place to get decent flight photos of the Canada Geese .......

Three of a group of Canada Geese that were coming in for a landing .......

Touchdown ......

Three more Canada Geese touching down .......

A pair of American Coots foraging along the shoreline ......

Here is a male Bufflehead ..........

And, a female Bufflehead ......

And a photo of both of them together ......

Nice shots Linth!

Wonderful photos. I always enjoy seeing all the pretty waterfowl. Awesome shots of the geese coming in for the landing. Great job on all of them Linth!

Some super shots there Linth! Thinking another week of the thaw here and I should see many of these showing up like the ones in your photo's.

Thank you, pelle, duc and Burd ......

Burd, you're right. In another 2 weeks, the migratory waterfowl will be moving northward. I haven't seen any new species this winter. But, it's a joy to always see whatever decides to stop off and give me a few weeks of pleasure.

I have taken lots of photos but mostly of the same species. I just try to capture something that makes a nice photograph.
Anytime that you are around water,the shots can always come out a little different.

Here are a few photos from back on 1/17/11 when we were in the midst of a hard freeze. I have only be able to photograph one Common Goldeneye, thus far, this season ..... a female. Birders with their spotting scopes were able to find more way out on the river.

These are fantastic images Linth. Such a great variety of waterfowl that is difficult to see from a distance. Your photos really gives us a birds eye view.

Thank you, Rose.

I like the next two shots of the male 'Lesser Scaup", or as it is called locally, the Bluebill". This one is sitting among the ice chips along the Choptank River, in Cambridge, MD.

This is one of my, "Whatcha looking at", photos ......

Here he's saying, "Come on in, Chicken, the water is invigorating".

Here's the lady "Bluebilll" watching nearby. She doesn't want to get her hair messed up !

Time for a little exercise ....... the male "Bluebill". It can be a little difficult distinguishing between the Lesser and Greater Scaup. Most of the ones in attendance were the Lesser Scaup.

Wow love them all Linth!

Beautiful shots Linth!

Wonderful shots, Linth.

Good job and nice images

Hey Linth I sent you photos on your D-mail on another nesting pair of eagles. let me know if you got them or not. I will post some here. These are from Feb. 23, 2011

here is another image

and another image. It was a spectacular day.

Heres on landing in the nest

Here is one landing in the nest