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Mallard


Mallard
Photo Information
Copyright: Hilary Wilkinson (Hil) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 696 W: 13 N: 1407] (5035)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-05-25
Categories: Birds
Exposure: f/4.5, 1/250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-10-07 9:14
Viewed: 2849
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Its been a while since I posted so I thought it was about I got going again, I took this shot a few months ago but think the colours are quite Autumnal, also it seemed the Lady Mallard was a popular choice today.

Mallard Description

The dabbling duck is 56–65 cm length, with an 81–98 cm wingspan, and weighs 750–1,000g. The breeding male is unmistakable with a green head, black rear end and a yellow bill with a black tip (as opposed to the dark brown bill in females). The female Mallard is light brown, like most female dabbling ducks; however, both the female and male Mallards have distinct blue speculum edged with white, prominent in flight or at rest (though temporarily shedded during the annual summer molt). In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the drake becomes drab, looking more like the female, but still distinguishable by its bill, which remains yellow and its breast is more reddish.

The Mallard is a rare example of both Allen's Rule and Bergmann's Rule in birds. Bergmann's Rule, which states that polar forms tend to be larger than related ones from warmer climates, has numerous examples in birds. Allen's Rule says that appendages like ears tend to be smaller in polar forms to minimize heat loss, and larger in tropical and desert equivalents to facilitate heat diffusion, and that the polar taxa are stockier overall. Examples of this rule in birds are rare, as they lack external ears. However, the bill of ducks is very well supplied with blood vessels and is vulnerable to cold.

The size of the Mallard varies clinally, and birds from Greenland, although larger than birds further south, have smaller bills and are stockier. It is sometimes separated as subspecies Greenland Mallard (A. p. conboschas).

In captivity, domestic ducks come in wild-type plumages, white, and other colours. Most of these colour variants are also known in domestic mallards, there they are rare but increasing in availability.

A noisy species, the male has a nasal call, the female the "quack" always associated with ducks

Notes from Wilkipedia.com

Added USM, a bit of contrast and a Border
Alex99, marieproue, Silke, vanderschelden, hester has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2883 W: 30 N: 9683] (36145)
  • [2007-10-07 9:22]

Hi Hilary . Good to see you. a good close up of the Mallard. fine detail in the feathers and eye. with natural colours.and a nice POV. well done TFS.
Nick..

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1739 W: 224 N: 6872] (24909)
  • [2007-10-07 9:29]

Hi Hil!
Lovely capture to come back with. Great to see your posting again.
+++ Perfect composition. Great POV. Good details in the eye. Brilliant DOF.
--- Slightly pixelated but only nit-picking.
Well done,
Joe

Hi Hilary
Belle compo avec ce beau portrait de cette canne.
Superbes détails, bonne couleurs et lumière très agréables.
L'action capturée est également très intéressante.
Bien vu et merci....JP

Well first I'm just glad to see you back! We sure have missed you around here.
What a great shot come back with - wonderful details! Lovely composition. I love the glint in the eye. :)

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4072 W: 133 N: 7096] (23735)
  • [2007-10-08 2:05]

Hi, dear Hilary.
What a nice news. You are here. I am very glad. Brilliant picture of this wonderful bird. Superb pose and cropping, terrific details of the plumage and nice pictorial BG. Lighting and exposure are great as always. My compliments and heart wishes.
Alexei.

Happy to see you again.
Magnifique gros plan, tant de netteté, de détails et des couleurs de saison.
Bravo
Marie

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1772 W: 36 N: 5597] (18598)
  • [2007-10-08 22:02]

Hi Hilary,
Just marking this post and will be back with a proper critique. Facing internet problem, hence doing a short job.
Regards.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • Silke Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 729 W: 98 N: 1707] (5458)
  • [2007-10-12 8:51]

A very clean clear portrait shot, with excellent composition and great eye contact
TFs
silke

Hello Hilary,
lovely shot, good composition and pov, great sharpness and excellent dof, very nice colors and light.
Angela

Hello Hilary,
Good composition. Sharpness, details and tones are well done once again.
TFS
Annick

  • Great 
  • hester Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1515 W: 18 N: 3165] (11638)
  • [2008-01-08 11:59]

Hi Hilary

I love the framing here and the way you have shown off that stetched neck. I think female mallards are prettier than the males. The feathers are so lovely and you have caught the details well

TFS

Karan

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