Photographing Ducks
and other Water Birds #1
Introduction:
I have found photographing ducks to be very difficult. Since I have made it a personal challenge to photograph everything in it's natural habitat, there are unique problems that I faced. Changing weather patterns, water levels, temperatures, and hunting season are just a few of the difficulties. Photography also has to take into account equipment limitations, lighting, concealment, and the cooperation of the birds. The day that I took these photos I was in this blind for almost 5 hours with no real opportunity to photograph ducks so I thought I would take some photos for this How To Page. Here are just a few of the ideas that I have found to be effective in getting up close and personal with ducks and other water birds.
#1 Location of the Blind
Due to boat traffic near another location where I sometimes set up, I looked for a more remote area. I had spotted mallards feeding at this location in the morning and afternoon on previous visits. I chased a large group out when I entered the area. I have to say that due to the keen eye of ducks and particularly mallards I have to be very careful about location and concealment.
The wind direction is important because more times than not ducks will land upwind. At least this has been my experience. I had to select an area where the sun is at my back so that I will get the full benefit of the bright afternoon sun. (Also, if it is at my back I will tend to be in the shadows and my camera lens will not be so noticeable to the birds.) This gives me the benefit of higher shutter speeds and low ISO settings. This will help to freeze the bird(s) in flight and still be able to crop and blow the photograph up to larger sizes with adequate pixel strength.
Due to the fact that I am using an equivalent 300mm lens I need to be as close as possible to the birds. You will notice that the blind is located on the waters edge with a clear field of view in front. I also located in some brush where I could cut out a hole in the brush that would give me almost 360 degree concealment. In this configuration ducks landing generally from left to right will not spot the difference in the blind and surrounding foliage until I get the photographs that I want. I was not able to match the foliage as well as I have in times past due to time restraints and the availability of grasses that are normally in that area. It was good enough as I found out from other birds that landed nearby.
General blind contents and make up:
I have to carry everything in and remove it when I leave because I am on a government refuge. For this reason I travel as light as possible.
List of general necessities:
Walking Stick to steady me in the water
Camera equipment
Blind Bag for water, food, and camera equipment.
Clippers to trim bushes
Comfortable light weight camo folding chair
Knife
Pepper Spray for Predators
Mosquito Repellant (If needed)
Camo cloth with dyed raffia grasses attached to match surroundings.
Note: The cloth has Velcro strips to attach to the limbs
of the bushes so as to completely cover me from
the front. Holes are cut at appropriate levels and
angles for the lens. I add appropriate foliage to
aid in matching surroundings.
Two or three duck decoys will attract ducks, egrets, herons, and other birds.
Bird or animal calls are used at your discretion.
Note: Anything is game when in the wild depending
upon the circumstances and availability of wildlife.
Final Comments:
Though this is not a detailed description of all of the activities and habits of ducks and other birds, I hope it will at least get you started on the learning process. There are so many factors involved that this article could never cover. Have fun and watch out! Anything can come into, over, behind, or in front of the blind at anytime. That's what makes it a Great Adventure.
Back View
Side View
Camera Wide Angle View
