A Hole in the Ice

David Friederich

A Hole in the Ice

Featured in Alphabet Soup, Happy Haven, Nikon DSLR Users’ Group, and I Love Birds. Top 10 challenge winner in Alphabet Soup (letter D)

Winter freeze has made less open water available in the marshes of the Fraser River Delta near Vancouver for ducks and other water fowl. This male mallard duck appears to be very much enjoying the small opening in the ice on a sunny late afternoon.

Nikon D300, Nikkor f4 600 mm lens, ISO 400, f4, 1/800.

A Hole in the Ice belongs to the following groups:

Complex Simplicity of Art, All Around the Styles, All Countries ~ Wetlands, Ponds, Lakes and Rivers, Americas ~ Rural, Urban, Wild, Free, Art Students and Beginners, Birds and Creatures of Flight, Conservation Photography, Cutest of the Cute, Dawn and Dusk Light, Dimensions, I Love Birds, Live, Love, Dream: , Mysteries of the Common(2 per day), Nature's Wonders, Nikon DSLR Users Group - 2 uploads per 24 hours, Pacific Northwest , Rural Around The Globe, Safe Haven, Scenery, Shameless Self-Promotion, Technical Photography, The Addicted Photographerâ–º2 Per Dayâ—„, The Birds, Vancouver and Vibrant and Vivid Color Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints and Framed Prints
A Hole in the Ice by David Friederich
A Hole in the Ice by David Friederich
  • linaji

    linaji

    OMG.. only you.. I want to laugh and cry all at once!!

  • David Friederich replied

    I thought you would like this one, Lina. This is a second in my wetlands series. Mallards are the clowns of the wetlands. Thank you for your wonderful sensitivity to my art.

  • CasiCeilo

    CasiCeilo

    What a cute photo….I love it!!! Awesome capture!!!

  • David Friederich replied

    I am glad you do, Casi. Thank you for commenting.

  • Vickie Emms

    Vickie Emms

    aww this is precious David. So many beautiful things in this image, from the pleasure the duck is getting having found water, to the golden lighting and reflection. You even caught droplets of water from it’s mouth,,,,,,,

  • David Friederich replied

    I had a lot of fun yesterday in the marsh. There is so much bird life at this time of year. The cold spell we have had on the coast has created some wonderful photo opportunities, Vickie. Thank you.

  • Erhan OZBIYIK

    Erhan OZBIYIK

    Look at that !!!! Posing even !!!
    GREAT SHOT MY FRIEND !!!! :)))

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Erhan. Mallards are the clowns of the duck world.

  • Stephen Thomas

    Stephen Thomas

    Great capture of this beautiful duck!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Stephen.

  • mmills3080

    mmills3080

    Oh, David -this is so wonderful! Love the scene captured her! To me it looks as if it slipped on the ice, love the orange feet tucked under his body, and how he looks as if he could fall into the opening on the ice!

  • David Friederich replied

    Actually Michelle, he was about to slip into the water. This shot was taken just a moment before. Thank you for your wonderful comment.

  • jacqi

    jacqi

    Beautiful lighting on this mallard who looks like he is relishing that drink and the chance to have a quick bath.

  • David Friederich replied

    I think you are right, Jacqi. Thank you.

  • melant1017

    melant1017

    What a great and fun shot, well done :)

    ~A

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Antonio.

  • Erhan OZBIYIK

    Erhan OZBIYIK

    They call them “green head” here in Turkey :))

  • David Friederich replied

    :))) good name!

  • Gail Bridger

    Gail Bridger

    One on a million shot , David!!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Gail.

  • Lucindawind

    Lucindawind

    lol this is so cute ! great capture!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thanks, Elaine.

  • Gary L. Suddath

    Gary L. Suddath

    great capture

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Gary.

  • Nanagahma

    Nanagahma

    What a great capture. The mallard truly looks pleased with himself that he found open water and also seems to be thoroughly enjoying a great “bath”.

  • David Friederich replied

    Great comment, Nanagahma:))) Thank you.

  • TrEaSuReDiMaGeS

    TrEaSuReDiMaGeS

    Brilliant capture and shot David….. W O W!!! :-))

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Deb. I am so glad you like this one.

  • tuffcookie

    tuffcookie

    omg! Linaji is right.. only you my friend. this is funny yet cute at the same time!! beautiful capture. love the water coming off his beak :)

  • David Friederich replied

    :))) Kelly, thank you for a great comment.

  • David Clark

    David Clark

    you get some really wonderful “expressions” on these birds—congrats on a great photo – dave

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Dave. These guys are very photogenic. They make it easy to get a good shot.

  • Steve Liptrot

    Steve Liptrot

    great capture

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Steve.

  • Anthea Slade

    Anthea Slade

    Unique and captivating capture…one of those extraordinary moments captured with such masterful definition by you. Congratulations on this wonderful image full of such surprise.

  • David Friederich replied

    I like this one for several reasons, Anthea, including what you comment on. I loved the light, and the colours. The hole in the ice intrigued me, as did this bird’s playful manner with it. The water falling from his mouth was just too intriguing to ignore. Thank you, Anthea, very much.

  • Donna Adamski

    Donna Adamski

    This is so awesome….gorgeous work David :)

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Orphie. This was a fun one for me to capture.

  • JohnsJems

    JohnsJems

    What a great shot. I love it , well done. This is going into my favorites !!!!!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you JohnJems for commenting so favourably, and for favouriting this one. Much appreciated!

  • Blackrock

    Blackrock

    What an excellent shot David! Some of my favorite photography memories are from shooting ducks on a nearby lake where I used to live. They are always doing something interesting, and are always fun to photograph. Keep ‘em coming!

  • David Friederich replied

    Blackrock, I have not taken advantage of the photographic opportunities mallards provide me, because they are so common. Isn’t it true, that we ignore common beauty in front of our noses. Thank you for a great comment. I really appreciate it.

  • Marvin Collins

    Marvin Collins

    Very cute shot, great colors, excellent timing, very well done David!!

  • David Friederich replied

    I really like this one, Marvin. Thank you for commenting.

  • georgiegirl

    georgiegirl

    Awesome photo!!! Also proves how insulated their gorgeous feathers are to be able to swim/bath in near freezing water!!

  • David Friederich replied

    Yes, Georgiegirl, it is amazing, isn’t it, just how insulated water birds are to the cold. Of course, the water is warmer than the air, in this case. So by going into the water, this duck is warming up. Thank you for your comment. I really appreciate that you looked at my work.

  • Bonnie T. Barry

    Bonnie T. Barry

    What a unique shot! I’ve seen dozens of mallard photos but this one is truly outstanding! LOVE IT!

  • David Friederich replied

    Oh thank you very much, Bonnie. This one is a favourite for me, too, and I see mallards so often.

  • linda858100

    linda858100

    STUNNING

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Linda. I sure appreciate all your comments on my work.

  • lorilee

    lorilee

    Amazing image!!!! Love the water falling from his beak – wonderful!!!!

  • David Friederich replied

    I love the water falling from his mouth too, Lorilee. Thank you.

  • LynnH64

    LynnH64

    Sweet!!!!!!!! What a super capture!!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you so much, Lynn, for taking the time to comment.

  • Lesley S

    Lesley S

    Fabulous capture! I love Mallards.

  • David Friederich replied

    Mallards are cool! Thank you, Lesley47.

  • TingyWende

    TingyWende

    Oh sweet! He looks like he’s showing off for you.

  • David Friederich replied

    You know, I thought the very same thing. What a clown and showoff! He is soooo cute! Thank you for a great comment.

  • David George

    David George

    This is one you should really be proud of, it is excellently shot. Very nice. Congrats

  • David Friederich replied

    I am proud of this one, David. Mallards are so common here, that people do not see their beauty for photographability, if that is a word. I should be paying more attention to them. Thank you so much for your comment.

  • handprintz

    handprintz

    lol,has he fallen in or is he getting a drink ? a fabulous capture David the clarity is spot on you even caught the drip of water from his beak !! as always your birds are amazing !!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Trudi. This was a fun image to capture, and conditions were so right for it.

  • Trevor Needham

    Trevor Needham

    Excellent work David – love it!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Trevor.

  • Sandy Stewart

    Sandy Stewart

    Very nicely captured with lovely warm lighting hitting the subject just perfectly! :)

  • David Friederich replied

    Sandy, it was late afternoon with lovely warm sunlight and great reflections from the ice and open water. The mallard provided a great pose. Thank you for a great comment.

  • Lisa Moss

    Lisa Moss

    What a cracker!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Lisa.

  • jaffa

    jaffa

    you have some amazing work. i love the mallard.

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Jaffa, for commenting and adding me to your watchlist.

  • Lois Bryan

    Lois Bryan

    oh my heavens!!!! WHAT an extraordinary image!!!!!! Perfection in detail and color … and just look at his facial expression, lol!!! Brings a huge smile!!!! And how I love the dribble of water from his beautiful yellow beak!!!! Congratz on your Feature in the Nikon group!!! Soooo well deserved!!!

  • David Friederich

    David Friederich

    Thank you, Lois, for this great comment. I had lots of fun making this picture. This mallard is full of character.

  • KCPhotographix

    KCPhotographix

    This is so awesome!!! Great timing!!! : -)

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you very much for this comment.

  • Gail Bridger

    Gail Bridger

    Good Luck in the challenge, David!! Love this shot!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Gail.

  • Von McKnelly

    Von McKnelly

    Love how you get your birds in action David….great light on this one.

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Von. I love the light in this one, too.

  • linda858100

    linda858100

    THANK YOU ,,STUNNING PHOTO

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Linda.

  • oddoutlet

    oddoutlet

    CONGRATULATIONS on being featured in the _Alphabet Soud (Letter _D) on May 31st, 2009. Nice,interesting capture!

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you very much. I am happy for the feature.

  • oddoutlet

    oddoutlet

    Sorry, thats Alphabet Soup not soud : )

  • Sheila Laurens

    Sheila Laurens

    Congratulations on your feature in Alphabet Soup:http://www.redbubble.com/groups/alphabet-soup. Sheila ~ co-host

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Sheila. The feature is good news. Hopefully the image will do well in the challenge.

  • Marie Sharp

    Marie Sharp


    TOP TEN WINNER IN BEST OF D CHALLENGE

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Marie.

  • FlowersEtc

    FlowersEtc

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you very much for this!

  • Rick & Deb Larson

    Rick & Deb Larson

    LOL…..what a priceless capture!! HUGE CONGRATS on your well deserved feature!! Take Care ~ Rick & Deb ~ :)

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you, Rick and Deb. This is definitely my favorite shot of a mallard. I am happy with the feature.

  • Sheila Laurens

    Sheila Laurens

    Congratulations for being placed in the top ten in the D challenge in Alphabet Soup.
    Sheila ~ co-host

  • David Friederich replied

    Thank you very much, Sheila. I feel honored with the top 10 placing.

  • FlowersEtc

    FlowersEtc

    Your so welcome

  • Lisa G. Putman

    Lisa G. Putman

    I Love this!

  • David Friederich replied

    I’m glad you do. Thank you for commenting.

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