Waterfowl Photography (Note:  Most of these images are for fun and decoy carver reference and are not sharp images as many were taken with a tele-converter lens.)

Northern Shoveler                                                                                           Hudsonian Godwits

Pintail pair                                                                                                       Female Scaup and Shorebird

Canvasback - I am of the opinion that "High Head" decoys were counterproductive and unnecessary.  Not only did the necks break easily from rough handling in open boats, but the only time I see waterfowl with necks extended like above is when they are in the "alert" mode.  A contended head decoy makes a lot more sense.

Canvasback - Ever see a Decoy in this position ?  Some Lockard decoys have the extreme curve to the back of the neck, similar but not as extreme as this one.

Canvasback Drake and Hen on Northern Breeding Grounds.                          Pair of Bluebills

More posing for the Camera !                                                                           Very rare, almost extinct, Sea-gull Shorebird !  On nest.

Again, Mr. Northern Shoveler.  A filter feeding duck, the wide bill is used to filter out microorganisms for feed. 

Canvasback in the "Alert" mode.                                                                     Blackhead

Canvasbacks in the relax and contented mode.                                                Canada Goose sub-species

A sub-species of lesser Canada Geese.                                                              " What's that they say about Global Warming causing the water to rise ? "

A Blackhead in the alert mode.                                                                         "Yea, it's always a party at this lake !"

Gull with chick                                                                                                   Hen Canvasback with chicks

Arctic Tern, migrates 23,000 miles between the Arctic and Antarctic.

Shorebirds

Gull

Gull Chicks... Perfect camouflage, bet you won't fine camo this good at the sporting goods store !

Taking to the water

The water's fine...

Canada's

All of these photos were not taken with a super-duper long telephoto lens, but a simple 70-210 lens.  Many subjects are within 8 feet of the camera, especially the last 8 photos.  How do I do it ?  Having a modified Old Town Predator Kayak doesn't hurt. 

A black headed Stilt that migrates from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii.  I saw a pair of these at a place called Sandy beach and the pair were wary not letting me approach very close.  I got only this one fairly clear shot as bird was on the run with 300mm lens with the new Sony Alpha camera that has steady shot capability built into camera as I was on the run also !  Further research reveals that there is a sub-species that is most of the Oahu, Hawaii population that is endangered and only numbers around 1500 birds.  Dogs and Cats are the main predators along with wetland depletion and exploding human population.  I have only saw one pair ever on the island and they stayed out in a clear park field.

Scaup/Bluebill/Blackhead.  There is quite a bit of green in the head especially at this time of year in May.

Last of the old Kachemak bay, Alaska wood carvers.  I doubt you will find an old salt carver like Bill Kitzmiller.  Bill is a font of knowledge about wildfowl of the bay.  The mural behind him displays the migration routes and life style of the various birds all hand painted by Bill.  Talk about fish decoys ?  Bill is carving a fish decoy, Alaska style !  I would imagine that old Bill falls in the same independent, individualistic mold as say Ira Hudson.  Many of his carvings are scrounged from century old driftwood of only the very best quality.  Imagine superior wood like Alaska Yellow Cedar, Western Red Cedar and the like all free for the taking from the beach.  Bill is a multi dimensional talented artist, see his site here. Solarwindarts.org

Kachemak bay old wood carving shack.

Shorebirds

Swan, Canvasbacks and Bluebill

Another view of the old Carving shack

Shorebirds with Bluebills in deep water

Cans