Harlequin Ducks are normally found in fast moving water, but on the day the picture was taken two pairs were hanging out in calm water not far from the fast moving river. They were diving, searching for food, the like of fish, marine invertebrates and insects. The colourful males leave the breeding area and head for coastal waters after the females begin to incubate, where the males will begin their annual moult. The nesting females stay behind looking after the family before joining the males. I was just hoping to get a few good pictures of the ducks, but got an added bonus of evening sun lit trees being reflected onto the water.
Harlequin Duck
The male Harlequin Duck is worth seeing up close, the markings on them are amazing. Perhaps only the males in the Wood Duck have more out standing marking, at least for the ducks we see in the mountains.
Until next moment,
Amar
Harlequin Ducks
I was out there 5 in the morning to take pictures of the sunrise and then for my main reason, to take pictures of Harlequin Ducks. There were several others taking pictures of the sunrise, but with lack of clouds and wind creating ripples, I decided it was best to locate the ducks. All together there were 8 harlequins, five males and three females. Being it was the mating season, the three males with mates were kept busy keeping the other two males away from the females. By the time the light was good for bird photography, rest of the photographer were gone, the ducks and I had the lake to ourselves. The kept me entertained, watching them diving for food and males chasing each other away. I was hoping the sun would soon hit the lake and provide warmth, when it did, I was not the only taking in the sun,
Until next moment,
Amar
Harlequin Duck
Was hanging out along the river when she flew into the area. The female Harlequin Duck landed about 15 meters from me, I slowly moved myself closer to her to get a picture. She started to groom herself before going under the water for food. She was not having much luck, as quickly as arrived, she left the area.
Until next moment,
Amar
Harlequin Ducks
There are many beautiful colour lakes in the mountains, thanks to the rock flour. Tiny clay particles form as rocks on the bottom and side of a glacier grind against the bedrock. Fine powder that looks like flour is formed from this abrasion, which is transported to the lakes as ice melts and rock flour is exposed.These fine particles are suspended in the water, reflecting more of the blues and some of the greens then any other wavelengths of light. Giving the glacier fed lakes their beautiful colours. Enjoyed the look of the water as I watched and took pictures of two female Harlequin Ducks on Moraine Lake few weeks back.
Until next moment,
Amar