Flapping in the Breeze

One of the first things that attracted me to birding was ducks, wild ducks. Seeing them for the first time through binoculars and then a scope I was amazed at their variation of colors, shapes, and sizes. Part of the challenge of bird photography is getting close enough to get a recognizable image of your subject. Often this is pure luck. Other times you get your desired image due to good planning. In the image at left of a Lesser Scaup it was kind of a combination of the two. I knew Scaup sometimes were present on a small pond in a recreational park in Titusville, Florida. I planned a stop there during a time of day when the lighting was good for photography. The luck was that a Scaup was present and that it was close enough to the shore that I could get a decent closeup image. The additional luck was that he was in a mood to lift himself up out of the water and flap his wings allowing more of an action shot . When the lighting is right the head is a glossy purple . The eyes are bright yellow and the bill is a cool shade of blue. I have always thought "blue-billed duck" would have been a better name. These ducks are often seen in large floating groups called "rafts". The Lesser Scaup has a slightly larger cousin called the Greater Scaup. For many, it is often difficult to tell them apart. There are differences, such as head shape. A study of your field guide will be useful in making the proper ID. I can only wish that all photo subjects would be as cooperative as this Lesser Scaup.