Tuesday 15 February 2011

Showing Off.


This sequence of  a male Tufted Duck was taken during my recent stroll around Pen Pond in Richmond Park. Most of the time this male Tuftie just drifted around hoping to pick a tit-bit from the surface ... BUT then ....

.... without any warning he raced across the water. Why, I'm not really sure but after coming to a stop he then decided it was time to show off his ballet skills. 

It always amazes me how with a few flaps this and many other duck species are able to stand upright as if walking on the water. 
An elegant display of fitness in full breeding plumage so I guess this guy is just showing off to any of the females that might be watching.   FAB.

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42 comments:

  1. Bob Bushell15 February 2011 at 20:09

    Fantastic pictures you had, I love them.

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  2. Lois Evensen15 February 2011 at 20:11

    Just beautiful! What a series!

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  3. mick15 February 2011 at 20:13

    Beautiful bird and a fantastic display. Great photos capturing it all.

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  4. Hilke Breder15 February 2011 at 20:15

    Terrific shots, Frank! You caught each pose at just the right moment.

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  5. Montanagirl15 February 2011 at 20:18

    Wonderful shots! Were there any ladies nearby he might have been trying to impress?

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  6. Peter Horvath15 February 2011 at 20:46

    Your photos are absolutely incredible! Thank you so much for sharing them with your readers.

    I'm hoping you might join us in a recent wildlife project we've launched.

    Our ultimate goal is to build the go-to platform for documenting all the world's organisms and through doing this we hope to develop an effective way to measure Mother Nature's pulse. By encouraging the masses to document their encounters with nature, we hope to build a powerful force for data collection and an important educational tool for wildlife awareness and preservation.

    We hope you'll support us on this mission by joining Project Noah today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at peter@projectnoah.org & http://www.projectnoah.org

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  7. theconstantwalker15 February 2011 at 20:49

    Lovely images of a little bird I have only see diving. Behaviour I am now going to hopefully see this spring.

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  8. Martha Z15 February 2011 at 21:07

    I'm seeing a lot of this kind of activity as well. I guess the birds think spring is in the air.

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  9. Caroline Gill15 February 2011 at 21:18

    Terrific photos. We spent part of saturday watching three juvenile Swans in similar mode . . .

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  10. jo©o15 February 2011 at 21:48

    Fancy you catching that in action.

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  11. 2sweetnsaxy15 February 2011 at 22:10

    Awwwwsome! These are wonderful. I wish my shutter speed was faster. I always miss shots like this.

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  12. Anonymous15 February 2011 at 22:11

    Excellent photography! If I looked like that, I've be showing off to the ladies too.

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  13. eileeninmd15 February 2011 at 22:27

    It is a beautiful duck, I love the last two shots showing the tuft.

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  14. Rune15 February 2011 at 22:45

    Well captured, fascinating cratures.

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  15. Julie G.15 February 2011 at 22:46

    Outstanding series! He's quite the handsome fellow. Excellent captures!

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  16. Angie Moore15 February 2011 at 22:46

    Great shots Frank.

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  17. Kerri Farley15 February 2011 at 22:47

    Oh My Frank..... What a Super Series!! And How fun to watch his antics!

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  18. Judy15 February 2011 at 23:31

    Either showing off, or practising for the showing off. You never know when the ladies might be watching!!

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  19. Sondra15 February 2011 at 23:43

    Thats an excellent series of Photos!! I know it was exciting to witness and to get those awesome shots!!

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  20. The Farne Islands16 February 2011 at 00:16

    Amazing shoots. I wish i could take pictures like that. Keep it up.

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  21. genie16 February 2011 at 00:17

    This is one awesome series. I am amazed at the fine way you were able to capture the gorgeous ducks. They all looks as it they are pretty proud of themselves. That yellow eye is piercing. Great photography.

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  22. grammie g16 February 2011 at 02:17

    Hi Frank..I can't imagine people not having an interest in such wonderful things that go on in nature!!!
    He is a handsome fellow and has his dance moves down real good!!
    Lovely photo's of the dance!!

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  23. Amila Kanchana16 February 2011 at 04:18

    He must sure have picked up the hottest chick after that performance!:-) Could it be a predator that made him race like that? Any otters or the likes in that lake?

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  24. Mona Sweden16 February 2011 at 05:08

    Wonderful shots. The third one with the duck standing upright is amazing!

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  25. Chris16 February 2011 at 08:25

    Oh Frank, the two last ones are masterpieces! Gorgeous shots of this stretching guy ;-)

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  26. Jeannette StG16 February 2011 at 08:28

    Incredible shots! Walking on water...isn't that what guys are supposed to do?

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  27. Midmarsh John16 February 2011 at 09:05

    Ah. The birdy equivalent of a boy racer showing off to his girlfriend lol. Great series of shots.

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  28. Unknown16 February 2011 at 11:22

    Nice shots! Cool to watch as they show off, it's very interesting to watch and photograph bird behaviour. Great work :)

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  29. Roy16 February 2011 at 11:26

    Lovely images Frank.

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  30. Hootin Anni16 February 2011 at 12:00

    Show off!!! No, not the bird...YOU!! [kidding] I think your photos of the action here is just incredible! Well done.

    Turtle Soup

    I hope your Wednesday is treating you well!!

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  31. ShySongbird16 February 2011 at 14:08

    Great photos Frank! I love seeing them show off like that :)

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  32. Pat16 February 2011 at 15:00

    Amazing captures of this guy in action!

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  33. Dave16 February 2011 at 17:05

    well captured Frank... a duck we often take for granted, but if we wait a while we can get shots like your last two

    Nice one

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  34. J16 February 2011 at 17:12

    Great action shots. Thanks for identifying the Leucojum vernum - Spring Snowflake - on my blog.

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  35. SRQ16 February 2011 at 19:26

    That's one talented duck! Wonderful captures. Love the yellow of his eye.

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  36. Springman16 February 2011 at 21:12

    Incredible action sequence Frank! You were obviously well prepared to take advantage of your "luck". This is one amazing series and brilliantly captured.

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  37. FAB16 February 2011 at 23:05

    Hi Everyone. Thanks for all your visits and kind comments.

    I have also noticed that many ducks also perform this activity after a lenghty spell of diving .. probably to shake of excess water.

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  38. Modesto Viegas17 February 2011 at 00:08

    Very good work!!!

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  39. Mike B.17 February 2011 at 05:10

    And I'll bet it got some of their attention...

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  40. KaHolly18 February 2011 at 02:07

    How did I miss THIS post?? What incredible shots. You just amaze me. ~karen

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  41. Larry18 February 2011 at 05:50

    Gorgeous series of the Tufted Duck showing off Frank! It always amazes me too that they can stand up like that and how fast their wings move when they are engaged in this maneuver.

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  42. FAB18 February 2011 at 18:54

    Hi Karen. No idea .... same reason when I forget to look in on everyone I expect!

    Hi Larry. Thanks very much. I'm sure they put more effort into this manoeuvre than they do when flying.

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