Photographing The Common - Mallards

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are the most abundant and widespread of the duck species. They inhabit both fresh and salt water wetlands and are very common in parks, ponds, estuaries, marshes, rivers and lakes. 

Mallard Drake
Shooting Info:  Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG HSM OS @ 250mm, 1/1000s, f/8, ISO 800

Mallards are social and prefer to congregate in flocks. They are dabbling ducks and are commonly seen with their backsides straight up out of the water as they search for food. They can dive as well but they rarely choose to do so. They are omnivorous and eat a variety of plant material, invertebrates, amphibians and fish. Mallards are often fed by humans and will readily come to people and eat right out of your hand. This makes them very easy to photograph as they are not as easily frightened away nor do they shy away easily as some of the other water birds.

Mallard Hen & Drakes
These mallards came onto shore straight for me looking for a handout.  They were not impressed when they realized I didn't have anything to give them.
Shooting Info:  Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG HSM OS @ 150mm, 1/200s, f/8, ISO 400

Being that mallards are quite common and often photographed, many may pass them up as photography subjects as they are "just mallards" and look for other, more unique or less common species to photograph. But, mallards, especially the drakes, are quite stunning birds in their breeding plumage with their iridescent green heads. The challenge lies in photographing them in unique ways to capture their beauty and personalities. I tried to do just that with these photos.

Mallard Drakes

These drakes were unimpressed with the fact that I had nothing to feed them and decided to walk away.

Shooting Info:  Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG HSM OS @ 250mm, 1/80s, f/8, ISO 400

"A Splishin And A Splashin"
Shooting Info:  Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG HSM OS @ 500mm, 1/640s, f/8, ISO 400

"Peek-A-Boo"
Shooting Info:  Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG HSM OS @ 500mm, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 800

Mallard Hen

Shooting Info:  Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG HSM OS @ 150mm, 1/320s, f/8, ISO 400

Mallard Hen

Shooting Info:  Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO DG HSM OS @ 190mm, 1/320s, f/8, ISO 400

Food for thought:  Please do not feed ducks bread as it has no nutritional value and can lead to a variety of issues including a very serious illness known as "angel wing".  It will fill them up and keep them from eating food that is key to their well being.  Instead of bread, please consider providing them with healthier alternatives such as duck feed, seeds and corn.  Please visit this website for reasons why bread should not be fed to ducks and for a list of safe alternatives:  http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/why-you-shouldnt-feed-ducks-bread