American Black Duck - Canard noir
I decided that I wanted to get a camouflage cover for my camera, one that was big enough to throw over my head. I am not a big ‘gear’ person, because I tend to be mobile and opportunistic with my camera. But in the last few years I have had a lot of fun getting closer to waterfowl and shorebirds, and I wanted to be able to set myself up and wait.
My first dry run was with a pair of American Black Ducks and a pair of Wood Ducks. Both are localized in a corner of a local lake that gives me a chance to arrive early, set myself up, and see how the disguise works. I should add that neither of these species are as wary in this part oft he world as they are reputed to be elsewhere. So the bar was not set too high.
Neither duck disappointed. I lay down in some brush on the edge of the water. Because they feed along the shorelines, it was early and often that I had opportunities for interesting images. They were pretty clearly unconcerned.
This species is unique among North American ducks because both sexes have the same plumage. The key differentiator is bill colour. I am afraid the early morning light (and it was not sunny) doesn’t help a lot, but my money is on this being a female. The male bill shows more yellow in good light.
American Black Ducks have seen a huge decline in numbers over the last fifty years. It seems they are being outmuscled by Mallards in competition for similar habitat, and the Mallards are winning in part because they are less concerned about people and more urban settings - the American Black Duck prefers wilder and quieter habitats.
American Black Duck - Canard noir
I decided that I wanted to get a camouflage cover for my camera, one that was big enough to throw over my head. I am not a big ‘gear’ person, because I tend to be mobile and opportunistic with my camera. But in the last few years I have had a lot of fun getting closer to waterfowl and shorebirds, and I wanted to be able to set myself up and wait.
My first dry run was with a pair of American Black Ducks and a pair of Wood Ducks. Both are localized in a corner of a local lake that gives me a chance to arrive early, set myself up, and see how the disguise works. I should add that neither of these species are as wary in this part oft he world as they are reputed to be elsewhere. So the bar was not set too high.
Neither duck disappointed. I lay down in some brush on the edge of the water. Because they feed along the shorelines, it was early and often that I had opportunities for interesting images. They were pretty clearly unconcerned.
This species is unique among North American ducks because both sexes have the same plumage. The key differentiator is bill colour. I am afraid the early morning light (and it was not sunny) doesn’t help a lot, but my money is on this being a female. The male bill shows more yellow in good light.
American Black Ducks have seen a huge decline in numbers over the last fifty years. It seems they are being outmuscled by Mallards in competition for similar habitat, and the Mallards are winning in part because they are less concerned about people and more urban settings - the American Black Duck prefers wilder and quieter habitats.