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Mallard Mutant


Mallard Mutant
Photo Information
Copyright: Silke Force (Silke) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 729 W: 98 N: 1707] (5458)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-08-23
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D70S, Sigma 18-200 mm (F3.5-6.3), Sigma UV 62 mm
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/60 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Natural History [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-08-24 2:44
Viewed: 3098
Points: 26
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is not a perfect shot. To begin with, I had to resort to the flash because it was too dark. Secondly, I am far from happy with the composition and the PoV. This is a "look-what-I-found" capture, with a couple added to the workshop to give you more of the context.

I went to a music concert last night, a concert held alongside a pond on the edge of town. There were a number of waterbirds in the pond, primarily a very aggressive family of swans and several small families of mallards. One family caught my eye because it included this white one. S/he followed the mother and the siblings everywhere and occasionally squabbled with the siblings when the children on shore disobeyed the signs and started throwing popcorn to the birds.

What amazes me is that these creatures, a mutation of sorts, do survive in the wild. Rob Fry (arfer) mentioned that he has seen a flock of mallards that included a white one in the Cornwall area of Ontario. Another was recorded for TN in England. What interesting games Mother Nature does play from time to time.

Tech: shot in RAW, converted, resized

Thanks for looking and have an amazing day.
eqshannon, pablominto, jmirah, gracious, Royaldevon, ramthakur, pierrefonds, angybone has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Sometimes I will purposely take a picture at an odd angle, simply to throw the viewers mind into gear while it is caught on hold. Works good. A nice technique really. The flash..ahh yes. Nobody likes to use something unnatural unless they can hide it some way. Yet flash brings out details otherwise not visible...perhaps even thru your viewfinder. A nice picture. You should not feel badly nor say a thing negative about it. It is very good!

Bob

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 260 N: 15594] (50626)
  • [2007-08-24 6:56]

Hello Silke,
Though albinos do occur rarely in the wild from time to time, this is most probably the result of a wild Mallard crossing with a tame farmyard duck, also originally a Mallard. These crossings are now more frequent owing to wild ducks having access to parks where these tame ducks are to be found.
Similar crossings have occured with feral pigeons, tame (greylag and snow geese), wild and escaped mink etc.
This is a sharp capture and the stark white is pretty well coped with. Good POV too.

Thanks for sharing this and your kind words on my 250th post!
Have a nice weekend!
Ivan

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1772 W: 36 N: 5597] (18598)
  • [2007-08-24 6:59]

Hi Silke,
Wonderful shot and I feel you should be proud of it. Good use of flash light and the water droplets on its body looks majestic. Very neat and sharp image with crisp details on its plumage. The reflection on the rippled waters presents a fine effect here. Excellent POV to portray it and very nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

Hello Silke,
A nice birs is swimming around with a nice reflection!
Plumage is well exposed, the bird is lovely and the image is well composed!
Greetings,
Pablo -

Hi Silke,
An unusual genetic specimen. You have probably captured a rare mutation of the colorful mallard. Often the different are left to survive on their own. Well captured.

TFS
Jim

Hello Silke,
It's look good to me with the using of the flash that give you the result of sparkling water drops on the plumage. It's surprise to see that the flash did not effect him at all!
good clear and neat photo
thanks for sharing
Tony

Hello Silke,

You may not be totally satisfied with this shot but actually, I really like it! The POV is good because it allows us to see the duck from an unaccustomed angle. Look at the great view of its foot! Look how it folds its wings over its back! We can't usually see that!

It's nicely composed and has just a hint of a reflection to complete the picture!

Come on, my friend! It's fine!
Bev :-)

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-08-24 20:22]

Hello Silke

Funny you post this ,today I saw a flock of Canada geese with a white one in it,and it was not a snow goose either.Very well captured and with good detail.The image is sharp and well focused.Nicely done.TFS

Rob

The use of flash has done wonders in this shot, Silke. The dark water makes a perfect contrast with the white subject, highlighting it beautifully in the process.
Thanks for sharing and best regards.

Hi Silke,

A nice image of the white mallard, the photo has a good composition, sharpness and nice colors. Thanks for sharing.

Pierre

When the moment is right and the subject is fascinating, there's no reason to skip a shot because conditions aren't perfect. I'm glad you grabbed the opportunity. I think the capture is just fine and you've shown us something many of us have never seen! Thank you.

Hi Silke,
Great shot! I like the effects of the flash on the water droplets making the duck appear that he is dressed in fancy evening wear..:o) Nice soft reflection in the rippling water..
TFS
Donna:o)

Hope all goes well with the wrists!

Bonjour,
Sympathique canard et angle de vue originale.
Bonne journée.
clnaef

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