Finally I am getting around to editing some of my wood duck images from my trip to Ohio. It was an amazing contrast in their tolerance of humans compared to around here in Michigan. Around my house, I am happy to get a wood duck shot within 30 feet – and that took some work. Most likely you would have to be in a blind spending many hours on an approach. They are incredibly skittish around here. Usually you can’t even get within 100 feet without spooking them. So it was quite strange to have them practically under foot or too close to focus on.
A lot of wildlife is fairly skittish around Michigan, with a few exceptions. Approachable wildlife hotspots typically become ‘paparazzi’ like as far as photographers being present. Sometimes that can be problematic depending on the attitudes and respect offered to the subjects and surroundings. I became one of the wood duck paparazzi on this particular day. I admit I am attracted by their striking appearance like most probably are. There are interesting parallels you could draw with those that chase celebrities. Only the ‘pretty’ ducks were being photographed. In fact one bystander actually commented while watching a group of 6 photographers intently snapping away at wood ducks that swam into the good light – “You almost feel sorry for the Mallards for not getting any attention..” It is not that mallards aren’t also attractive birds, but hey – when a wood duck is around, they become the starlets on the red carpet. The same thing happens for bears, elk, moose, eagles, and so on. Is there too much glamor in wildlife photography? Are we too quick to switch gears to the next pretty face?
I’ll take time with just about any wildlife because it is fairly rare to have such close encounters around here. However, the similarities to celebrity fascinations we often like to poke fun at are closer to home than we might care to admit.
Just browsing the internet. You have a very, very interesting blog.
Nice photo of the Wood Duck. Nice color and contrast.
Beautiful shot Mark. Interesting thoughts on the wildlife we choose to shoot or paint. I always like to find a subject that has unique character such as a bull I’ve found with crooked horns but I don’t know if I would paint a butterfly with torn wings. Great article.
Thanks for the comments. Glad I am not too far off in my observations about wildlife celebrities! I think the occasional glamour nature photograph is fine, but we need to be wary of oversaturation. Unfortunately, it isn’t completely under the control of the photographers – but many others in the media as well.
Delson, I wish I could say this was a result of intimately knowing behavior, but it is not. Simply a matter of being in a spot where they have a high tolerance of humans being around – and a long lens to isolate.
This is a beautiful image Mark, wood ducks are amazing in their foliage and colors, great work.
Lovely shot at an appealing angle. You’re right about the “celebrity” attitude. The last time I looked at Nature’s Best, I saw glamour nature photography – lots of high impact colors and glitz. Wood ducks are a glamour bird – I’ve never been able to get close to them either.
To your question about “celebrity” in wildlife – it is certainly there. It pervades not just photography, but art in general. I suspect it it a natural draw toward beauty and strength. I also believe though that a great image works of any wildlife subject. I would much rather spend time and be excited about a common subject, making images with feeling and impact, than meaningless images of a “celebrity” subject. I know you feel the same way.
Hey Mark, sounds like you had a fun trip, great shots.
Very nice pics mark, im sure you must be well aware of the birds behavior to come so close to them
Perfect. A wonderful shot.
Great shot Mark! You don’t need to drive to San Diego, you did great in Ohio.
These are beautiful ducks – The Elle Macpherson’s of the duck world!
Ron
A beautiful shot, Mark. It’s good to hear that you could get close enough for such shots. I’ve never seen a wood duck in the wild, but they have a few at the NC zoo. They seem to swim about happily and are not enclosed in any way. Also, as you can imagine, they are quite used to people.
Now, if I could just find a Great Blue Heron that would let me get close! 🙂 It sounds like you had a great time!