Photographing Ducks & Geese

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I prefer photographing ducks and geese in late winter. I try to find a body of water which is one of the first in the area to be free of ice. Since the ducks will have fewer options in the way of resting and stopover places; there wil be large concentrations of waterfowl in these areas.
At this time of year the duck's plumage is at its peak and mating rituals are in full swing. I try to select a location on a small stream or beaver pond where I can conceal the outline of my blind against a bank or existing brush. Dead branches, grass, and cattails can also be placed around the blind for further concealment. Choose a location where the stream or pond narrows. That way, any duck swimming through will have to be quite close. Fallen logs on the water's surface are also a great plus, since ducks will use these for resting and preening. I also like to choose a location where I can leave my blind set up for a few weeks. By leaving the blind set up, the ducks will see the blind all the time and they will become more comfortable and tolerant of its presence.
Ducks will sometimes dip their heads into the water three or four times, throwing water over their backs. When you see this, stay focused on the duck and you may get a shot of them flapping the water off.

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