While I have captured many images that I like, there have been many (maybe more) that I “almost” captured. These are images that came close to being good. Sometimes it was operator error-I simply screwed up with my settings or inattentiveness. Other times it was bad lighting or bad backgrounds. But often, it is just bad luck. These are two examples. Mallard ducks; certainly there are many opportunities to photograph them as they are everywhere. The difficulty is often getting the right light and angle to get the most color and beauty, especially the male. In the this image, if only he had turned his head a little. Oh well, next time.
Mallard
Country United States
State California
Location San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Reserve, Irvine CA
Gender Male
Age Adult
Activity BIF (Bird in Flight), In or By Water
- Created Timestamp01/29/2026 16:37:05
- CameraCanon EOS R5m2
- Aperture7.1
- CreditJim and/or Deb Babbitt
- Copyright2026
- Focal Length500
- Iso640
- Shutter Speed1/3200
Not much you could do about the angle of the sun on the Mallard’s head. I don’t see the males’ head as black very often, so it is still interesting. A closer crop would have given me a better look at the action going on during takeoff, although I do like the yellow flowers in the background.