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In the late fall of 2020, a Mandarin Duck appeared at a small pond in Yankton, South Dakota. This is probably the most widely seen and photographed individual bird in the history of the state! People traveled from all over the state (and outside) to see it. On November 15th, 2020 I did the hour and a half drive to see, and hopefully photograph the bird. In bird photography it often doesn't work out when you chase an individual bird, but this was a case of not only getting great views and photo opportunities, but the result could be my favorite photo of all time.
The Mandarin Duck was hanging out with a Wood Duck drake in one corner of
the pond. The two were inseparable, and when another duck or goose got
close, both would aggressively move out and chase them away. After watching
them a while and given their behavior, I positioned myself in a spot where
that next "chase" would result in 1) the birds moving right in front of me,
2) the morning sun would be at my back and provide great lighting, and 3)
the reflection of an adjacent sign would provide some cool color on the
water.
It didn't take long! A pair of mallards approached, and
like clockwork, both the Mandarin and the Wood Duck took off after them. Not
only did I get an isolated photo of the Mandarin Duck with the great
lighting and reflection, but the action of the chase also gave me the wonder
splash of water. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful bird,
pose, or setup.
Click here for more information on this species
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