Mallard Photography

When taking pictures of Mallards, it's important to get them to smile for the camera by saying "Cheese!" [1]. Unfortunately instead of smiling these ducks ducked their heads underwater. This is apparently a common occurrence when photographing Mallards; at least they didn't the high-butt dabble though.

In reality, the ducks were no doubt attempting to get a bite to eat when sticking their heads in the water. Mallards are true omnivores, eating both small animals and vegetation like duckweed/watermeal. Still, I wouldn't generally expect ducks to be very cooperative when it comes to getting their picture taken.

February 10, 2023 at the Raritan Water Power Canal
Photo 263680646, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


[1] The Mallard word for "cheese" (and virtually everything else) is "quack".

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