Sunday 3 April 2011

All Up Front.

No real chance of any birding this weekend due to various family commitments so here are two close ups of a male White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala) taken during visits to a wildfowl collection.

[ F/8; 1/400; ISO 800 @ 250mm ]

The above image was taken at the end of November when the bill only just shows a hint of the major change that will take place as this male prepares for the breeding season when he sports a more colourful front end in the following March (see below).  

[ F/11; 1/160; ISO 200 @ 300mm ] 

I hope to get out tomorrow morning and see if anything new has turned up locally ... FAB.

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12 comments:

  1. TexWisGirl4 April 2011 at 01:10

    AWESOME bill! Almost looks prehistoric in the first one, then totally art deco in the second!

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  2. Lois Evensen4 April 2011 at 01:52

    Those are such great images.

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  3. Carol Mattingly4 April 2011 at 02:46

    OMG! I love this duck Frank. He "or she" is adorable. Adorable. Thanks for the sentiment. I am hoping to be to normal in another day or two. Carol

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  4. Montanagirl4 April 2011 at 05:03

    Love these! So close up and clear.

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  5. Monts4 April 2011 at 07:31

    Hi Frank nice shots of the WHD and enjoy the walk this morning, a few bits are moving through down here.
    Ring Ouzals, Beeeaters, Purple Heron,Swallows and Sand Martins.

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  6. Lee4 April 2011 at 13:02

    Great Photo's Frank & Superb Blogging - Reagrds Lee - Essex Bird Watch

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  7. JRandSue4 April 2011 at 15:48

    Two very nice Images Frank,he seems to be a big chap.
    I agree with Monts.
    John.

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  8. Richard4 April 2011 at 15:57

    I'd call that a "Loaf" of Duck. Great shots.

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  9. FAB4 April 2011 at 18:02

    Thanks texwisgirl. I like your descriptive terminology.

    Thanks Lois.

    Cheers Carol. Very glad to hear you are on the mend.

    Thanks Mona.

    Hi Monty. I noticed that all the good activity was in the far south-west AGAIN. Unfortunately nothing new around here.

    Hi Lee. Thanks and welcome.

    JRandSue. Thanks John. Fancy carrying that snozzle round all the time .. lol.

    Hi Richard. Definitely a lump to carry around up front.

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  10. grammie g4 April 2011 at 19:43

    Hi Frank.. when I saw that first duck I burst into laughter...what a great photo!!
    The color the bill turns is amazing..Gods creations never cease to amazing me!!

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  11. Chris4 April 2011 at 21:35

    Funny looking duck, but I guess really hard to take picture of it due to the strong contrast! Very beautiful shots Frank!

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  12. FAB5 April 2011 at 22:59

    Hi Grammie. All that just to impress the ladies .. lol.

    Hi Chris. Yes, I struggled to get the right balance.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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