What’s Your Preference?

Preacherman · #1 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 02:30 PM

This is the penultimate shot in my series from my visits to Martin Mere, UK. Hope you like this colourful chappie (and his missus). He's a Wood Duck, if your'e interested. God bless for now. PAUL

bascott · #2 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 02:39 PM

Great shots, beautiful colors! Nice of them to pose for you

Hayward Taylor · #3 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 03:04 PM

Hello Paul - he looks real proud .. nice clear water though ... nice

lindyannajones · #4 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 03:09 PM

Your photo has me wondering about something. I've always puzzled why female birds are less colorful than the males. In your second photo, however, I'm noticing that she has much better camouflage than he does and is, therefore, is better protected. Is that why? I know you don't have the answer but maybe your photo hints at the reason. Beautiful and thought provoking!

sHIMUZUKi · #5 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 03:33 PM

pretty bird.if you wanna spread the gospel i'm not sure your doing it right...

TFS

Preacherman · #6 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bascott

Great shots, beautiful colors! Nice of them to pose for you

Thanks Brian. They were in a conservation area and not entirely shy of human presence. Yes, aren't they a vivd colour. PAUL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayward Taylor

Hello Paul - he looks real proud .. nice clear water though ... nice

Thanks Hayward. When I'm out with my wife, I'm proud too! Who can blame him. PAUL

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindyannajones

Your photo has me wondering about something. I've always puzzled why female birds are less colorful than the males. In your second photo, however, I'm noticing that she has much better camouflage than he does and is, therefore, is better protected. Is that why? I know you don't have the answer but maybe your photo hints at the reason. Beautiful and thought provoking!

Thanks Linda. There are several theories. The age old one is of course camouflage as you suggest, esp. when on the nest. There are also mating theories and even feather colour related to immunity from certain diseases. I just love the colours, no matter what, but never stop searching for answers. PAUL

Quote:

Originally Posted by sHIMUZUKi

pretty bird.if you wanna spread the gospel i'm not sure your doing it right...

TFS

Hi sHIMUZUKi. Thanks for the first part of your comment. Don't understand the second part, and given that this forum is not the place, I have no intention of entering into discussion. Message me privately if you would like a detailed description of my spiritual and parochial roles in society and how I fulfil them. Maybe then you could be a little surer. God bless. PAUL

Sheriliz · #7 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:13 PM

Lovely. I opened and liked the first shot very much. Then the second opened and really blew me away. He looks so protective of her. I just love this. Wonderful capture, good colors.

beachcomber · #8 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:28 PM

They make a very handsome couple, and these are very handsome images, it's a great location Paul and one to return to again

Preacherman · #9 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheriliz

Lovely. I opened and liked the first shot very much. Then the second opened and really blew me away. He looks so protective of her. I just love this. Wonderful capture, good colors.

Thanks Sheril. I watched them for a good long time, and they were virtually inseperable. PAUL

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachcomber

They make a very handsome couple, and these are very handsome images, it's a great location Paul and one to return to again

Yes Beach, it's a Wildlife & Wetlands Trust (WWT) presevation site. We are waiting for the annual winter arrival of the Whooper Swans from ?Iceland/Siberia. They arrive in their thousands and the sight is one to behold and the sound as they arrive absolutely deafening. Hope I can make it and get us some pics to share. PAUL