Male Ring-necked Duck in Pond Taking Off

Wow, each day seems to bring new things for me at the pond....what a delight! This morning started with fog and as I was having my decaf coffee and roll, I noticed a larger white/black duck that was new to me. After I looked at it closer with my binoculars I realized that it was the male of the Ring-necked ducks that had been in the pond previously (female only). Off I ran to throw some clothes on and grab my camera, and out the back door I went.

I approached and got off quite a few shots, although with the fog I wasn't sure they would be that good. Finally it seemed to lift a bit, and just about that time the male duck decided to make his escape (maybe he was tired of the big black thing stalking him :) Off he flew to the south, as I rapid fired my camera. When I got back in the house, I was so happy with the shots. It's amazing to see how they get airborn in stages!

To see the sequence of shots, Click Here!