What’s better after a long day of work than stepping into the cool embrace of nature? Even with a drizzle of rain and the fading light of winter, I knew I had to venture out to seek one of my favorite subjects: ducks. All kinds of ducks.
"Taking duck photos is a lot like the ducks themselves—sometimes smooth and graceful, sometimes all quacks and waddles, but always worth it!"
My first stop was Kings Pond, a local favorite where the ducks are famously friendly. As soon as we pulled up, the ducks at the far end of the pond spotted us and rushed over, swimming and running with surprising speed. How do they know what a car is and that it might mean food? Their enthusiasm made me burst out laughing. If you’ve never seen a duck running toward you, let me tell you—it’s pure joy in motion. Their excitement was infectious and, in that moment, I could feel the day’s weight lifting off me.
Armed with my camera and a bowl of high-quality duck seed (my way of saying thank you for their portraits), I jumped into action. I don’t normally feed wildlife for photos, but at this pond, the ducks are accustomed to being fed, so I made an exception. Their gratitude—or maybe just their eagerness—made the experience magical.
Kings Pond is known for its variety of ducks, and I wasn’t disappointed. I captured some species I’d never photographed before, like Brewer’s Blackbirds. The contrast between the females and males was fascinating: the females, light brown with iridescent feathers glimmering in the right light, and the males, sleek and glossy black with their own iridescent shine. Their colors were breathtaking. These bold birds filled the pathways and trees, chirping away as they enjoyed their feast.
Don’t let the weather hold you back—embrace the drizzle, the wind, or the chill and step outside. Urban wildlife is all around, waiting to remind you of life’s simple joys. Be present, let the day’s worries fade away, and rediscover the magic in your own community.
Of course, the stars of Kings Pond for me were the wood ducks. I had been hoping to capture their vibrant plumage, especially the males, in both swimming shots and close-up portraits. Unfortunately, the fading light and the challenge of using my long 600mm lens at close range made things tricky. Note to self: always bring a second lens!
Wood ducks are a stunning example of nature's artistry, with males and females showcasing distinct yet equally captivating appearances. Male wood ducks are famous for their vibrant plumage, with iridescent green and purple head feathers, striking white markings, and a chestnut-brown chest that looks painted by hand. In contrast, females are more understated, sporting soft gray-brown tones with a distinctive white eye-ring and a subtle splash of blue on their wings. Despite their differences, both are uniquely beautiful and perfectly suited to their habitats.
Interestingly, wood ducks are not strictly monogamous and do not mate for life. They typically form pairs during the breeding season, but these bonds last only for that season. Each year, they seek new mates, making them one of many species where love is a seasonal affair.
Capturing an animal’s personality through photography is one of my favorite challenges. Every creature has its quirks, and finding those unique moments brings their character to life in the photo. This time, I managed to catch a wood duck mid-quack, and I can’t help but wonder what he was saying—or who he was quacking at! Maybe he was telling me, “No more pictures!” Or perhaps he was simply expressing his opinion on the rainy weather. Either way, moments like these remind me that wildlife photography is as much about storytelling as it is about the shot itself.
Next, I spotted a new duck that caught my eye—sleek and striking in black and white. Curious about this unfamiliar visitor, I did some research when I got home and discovered it was a Ring-necked Duck. What an incredible find! I had no idea these beautiful ducks could be found on Vancouver Island, making this sighting an unexpected and exciting highlight of the day.
Interestingly, the black-and-white coloration of male Ring-necked Ducks plays a key role during the breeding season. Their bold black back, white belly, and distinct head shape are designed to stand out, helping them attract mates and establish territory. Meanwhile, females are more subtly colored in shades of brown, offering them better camouflage while nesting. Despite their name, the "ring neck" is subtle and difficult to see, a chestnut ring around the base of their neck. Instead, they’re more easily identified by their bright golden-yellow eyes and the white ring around their bills. A truly striking addition to any pond!
As I sat on the bench, enjoying the moment, a bold male mallard decided to join me—literally. He hopped right onto the bench beside me, tilting his head and giving me the cutest, most hopeful looks as if to say, "Care to share some seed?" I couldn’t help but laugh at his confidence and charm. My heart felt so full in that moment, knowing this little duck felt comfortable enough to sit beside me and try his best to win me over with those sweet, irresistible looks. It was a memory I’ll treasure—a perfect connection with nature.
With my heart already full, I decided to make one more stop at a nearby urban park, curious to see what other treasures I might find. As soon as we arrived, a parade of peacocks greeted us, their vibrant blues and greens dazzling even in the dim light. The peacocks at this local park are year-round residents, adding a vibrant and regal touch to the area. It looks like last year was a successful breeding season because I counted over 15 peacocks gathered in one spot, a mix of dazzling males with their iridescent blues and greens and plenty of peahens in their softer white and tan plumage. Watching them interact was mesmerizing, a reminder of the park’s unique charm and how it serves as a haven for these stunning birds.
Among them was a rare sight—a young white peahen. Her beauty stood out, her soft white feathers glowing against the muted tones of the overcast day. Though cautious, she amazed me with her bravery, weaving her way through the group of vibrant, chattering males to cautiously approach my outstretched hand. Slowly, she reached forward, her trust building moment by moment, and gently picked up the seed.
In that instant, the world seemed to pause. Nothing else was on my mind—just her quiet bravery and our connection. It was a profound reminder of the power of being fully present, of cherishing these fleeting, magical moments with nature. This small but meaningful interaction left me in awe of her gentle strength and curious spirit, making it a memory I’ll carry with me.
The surprise of the day: a plump, cheeky squirrel who boldly approached us, clearly a master of charm and courage. His well-fed appearance hinted at just how successful he’s been in winning over park visitors. He eagerly grabbed a peanut and scampered up a tree to enjoy his prize, only to return moments later, practically reaching out for another snack from my aunt. His confident antics had us laughing and smiling, filling the moment with pure, unfiltered joy. This little character was impossible not to adore—brave, charming, and clearly living his best (and well-fed) life.
As the rain picked up, I switched from my camera to my phone—my 600mm lens wasn’t much help with the animals so close. Ducks swarmed around us, quacking and waddling, some even allowing us to touch them. I was captivated by their sounds and movements, observing how they interacted with one another. I’ve always loved the cheerful chatter of ducks, and being so close to them felt like stepping into their world, if only for a while.
By the time the seed was gone, I was soaked but happy. I made my way back to the car, warmed by the experience and the memories I’d captured. What’s better than feeding animals in the rain? Honestly, nothing. Sometimes, it’s these simple, joyful moments that refresh the soul.
"Sometimes the best way to decompress is to simply step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and find joy in the beauty that’s already around you. Nature has a way of reminding us to slow down and just be."
Enjoy this bit of nature in my background and turn the volume for the full quakin experience!
Outstanding,as usual! A happy duck is a well fed duck. Keep up the outstanding work.