Fearless by Helen Betts

Helen Betts | all galleries >> Galleries >> Birds at Constitution Gardens on the National Mall > Fearless


04-Aug-2024

Fearless

One of the many ducks in the below/previous picture that had rushed over to and crowded around a man who I’m sure feeds them every day. This female mallard came over to me and proceeded to walk about a foot or two from my feet, not bothered in the least by my presence.

The handout, posted earlier:

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
1/140s f/2.8 at 15.7mm iso50 hide exif

Full EXIF Info
Date/Time	04-Aug-2024 14:40:23
Make	Apple
Model	iPhone 15 Pro Max
Flash Used	No
Focal Length	15.7 mm
Exposure Time	1/140 sec
Aperture	f/2.8
ISO Equivalent	50
Exposure Bias	0.00
White Balance	0
Metering Mode	matrix (5)
JPEG Quality	(7)
Exposure Program	program (2)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto

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Carl Carbone		31-Oct-2024 14:10
Nice capture of this trusting Mallard.

Zoltán Balogh		29-Aug-2024 13:06
I do agree with Jane's comment below. V

Pierre		22-Aug-2024 12:47
Une photo tout en détails de cette femelle colvert! V

janescottcumming		22-Aug-2024 01:29
Seems very used to people. V

larose forest photos		22-Aug-2024 00:48
Superb sharp shot, Helen! This is a marvelous capture. V

Nick Paoni		21-Aug-2024 19:28
Nice timing to catch her mid-stride. That's the problem with feeding them, it makes them less cautious of humans- not always a good idea.

Blandine Mangin		21-Aug-2024 18:53
very beautiful little mallard ! v

Tom Munson		21-Aug-2024 16:51
She's a pretty Mallard. Nice shot.

Richard Chu		21-Aug-2024 16:21
Sharp details! Beautifully captured! V

bill friedlander		21-Aug-2024 15:12
Nice pose and very sharp shooting. V

Pierre Martin		21-Aug-2024 11:45
very sharp details of that feeding female, great shot!

Milan Vogrin		21-Aug-2024 10:46
Great light and details. V!

Raymond		21-Aug-2024 09:11
So beautiful, Mallards are also a symbol of love since when they mate, it's for their whole life, faithful to one another and never leave one another.

John Reynolds LRPS		21-Aug-2024 08:14
Great capture!

Dan Opdal		21-Aug-2024 07:44
Wonderful sharp image of this beautiful Mallard! V

Ton, Ben & Rob Nagtegaal		21-Aug-2024 05:07
Beautiful tack sharp capture of this mallard. V

Jeremy		21-Aug-2024 02:50
Great shot of the duck, tack sharp and colourful. V

Dennis Hoyne		21-Aug-2024 02:44
She presented you with a fine photo op!

Julie Oldfield		21-Aug-2024 02:01
The geese and ducks here are largely fearless too. The people ignore the signs. I really like the touch of blue. V

Marcia Rules		21-Aug-2024 01:11
Super shot and a great look at their behavior! VVV~

Nirvan Hope		20-Aug-2024 23:50
Many signs around here not to feed the wildlife, particularly ducks around ponds however cute they might look!

hayl		20-Aug-2024 22:53
Once fed they are friends with humans as they look for a treat. Sort of like dogs!

Liz Bickel		20-Aug-2024 22:21
Ducks of all species are hunted here. Like: bang, bang, you're dead. So, in our area, they are EXTREMELY wary of all humans: even those on the National Wildlife Refuge a couple of hours drive from our house. At the sight of humans, they immediately flee!!! In Missouri, no place feels safe to these resident/or migrating waterfowl who definitely reflect a feeling of fear, The National Wildlife Refuge (I mentioned) allows both deer and duck seasonal hunting. Plus, the areas surrounding it are prime, public hunter territory with hunting blinds visible from the Refuge, It always amazes me to visit big cities (all around the world) where waterfowl are fearless like this female Mallard. She was probably hoping that you'll feed her. It's amazing how different waterfowl behave depending on where they live.