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Getting flying objects sharp and in focus while photographing with large telephoto lenses takes a lot of practice. For years, I would be presented with beautiful moments and would somehow mess up the exposure or focus, and the bigger the lenses, the more mistakes I would make. Today, I got "lucky" with these mallards and my practice is paying off.

A male mallard duck at the entrance of the Middle Bayou on Hamlin Lake. Nikon D850. F6.3 at 1/250, ISO 800. 60-600mm lens at 600mm. On a tripod without a flash. January 13, 2020 at 4:22pm.

Appearing to be huddling together against the cold, or perhaps just having a conversation about the "just ducky" weather, two male Mallards endure some fowl weather on the Sable River.

Nikon D850. F6.3 at 1/500, ISO 12800. 60-600mm lens at 600mm. On a tripod without a flash. January 31, 2020 at 8:32am.

Deep within the forest in the northern part of Ludington State Park lies a pond that my son Brad and I have discovered to be a delightful place. We watched this male wood duck and several others for more than an hour on a late September morning. We waited patiently for them to come closer and then looked for those magic moments when the splendid ducks fit in perfectly with their marshy home.

Deep within the forest in the northern part of Ludington State Park lies a pond that my son Brad and I have discovered to be a delightful place. We watched this male wood duck and several others for more than an hour on a late September morning. We waited patiently for them to come closer and then looked for those magic moments when the splendid ducks fit in perfectly with their marshy home.

The wake being made by a male mallard ripples the glassy surface of a pond turned golden by the setting sun. The tranquil scene reminded me of the wonderful Hamlin Lake outings I enjoyed with my parents and my brother Budde while growing up.

I have been watching these mallards at Ludington Municipal Marina all winter. Bubblers have maintained some open water for them. Today, finally, I see a unique picture of them I like. Reality and reflection make an interesting illusion. F2.8 at 1/400, ISO 100, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

Eric Riggs bought this brown duck when it was only a few weeks old and released it into the wetlands near his home. The duck is technically a wild critter now, but he is very friendly and curious. Julia, Ethan, and I got a kick out of his honking abilities as well. F5.6 at 1/400, ISO 1000, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Marching with Mom

Squawking as she goes, a female mallard flies over the Red Cedar River at deck level with a male pursuer on her tail. Love is in the air today at Michigan State University. F5 at 1/800, ISO 800, 80-200mm lens at 135mm

A male mallard drops down for a landing on the Red Cedar River at Michigan State University. The Red Cedar offers a myriad of natural views to MSU students. More than 40 years after graduating from MSU, I tend to slow down more and linger longer in order to drink in all the beauty that exists on one of America's most beautiful college campuses. F5 at 1/800, ISO 800, 80-200mm lens at 200mm

I swing my camera like a shotgun to get and stay on target with this suddenly appearing female wood duck as it performs a high-speed fly-by on the Pere Marquette River. I love the rush of spotting fast-flying wildlife and trying to make good "wing shots" of them. F3.5 at 1/640, ISO 1600, 80-200mm lens at 135mm

I am struck while watching this duck swim on Round Lake in Charlevoix how much it seems as if the female mallard is floating over a sea of giant emerald gems. Round Lake is certainly one of the most beautiful harbors in Michigan. I never tire of spending time here. F2.8 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 200mm

This was a very curious little female mallard duck enjoying today's sunshine on Torch Lake. She kept swimming right up to me as if she were looking for a friend to play with. I think people must feed her treats because she seemed annoyed that I didn't give her any of my protein bar. F7.1 at 1/250, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

Four large sandhill cranes made their way across M32 in Northeast Michigan this morning. I was glad my dad could stop the Suburban fast enough for me to get out my giant telephoto lens and tripod in time to capture these magnificent creatures in flight. F5.6 at 1/2000, ISO 800, 600mm lens at 840mm

Winter is just ducky at the Gustafsons' pond along Iris Road south of Ludington. Flowing water keeps the pond open and the ducks swimming. The ducks are a beautiful sight for the Gustafsons and passers-by. F2.8 at 1/320, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 185 mm

Most of the students at Western Michigan University have headed home for the holidays but this pair of mallard ducks is among the many waterfowl sticking around for the holidays in Goldsworth Valley Pond. F8 at 1/500, ISO 800, 80-200mm lens at 200mm