Mallards adopt my pool

I have a 24 ft above the ground pool in my yard. The cover is still on, and each year, around this time, we are visited by a pair of Mallards. Usually they only stay for an hour or so. This year it has been every morning and evening for the past several days. Here is a shot that I took this evening. In post procesing, I set the WB to daylight. This was taken after 7:00 PM EST. The light was fading fast. Comments welcome as always.



EXIF
Make : NIKON CORPORATION
Model : NIKON D100
DateTime : 2005:05:22 19:24:40
ExposureTime : 1/60Sec
FNumber : F2.8
ExposureProgram : Program Normal
MaxApertureValue : F2.8
Flash : Not fired
FocalLength : 300.00(mm)
ExposureMode : Auto
WhiteBalance : Auto
FocalLength(35mm) : 450(mm)
ISO Setting : 200
WhiteBalance : AUTO
FocusMode : AF-S
Lens information : 300.0-300.0(mm) F2.8-F2.8
FocusArea : DynamicAF (right)
ColorSpace : MODE2

 

All auto

Hi Gale,
Thanks for the comments. We are having a cold wet spring, so far. Hopefully things will improve soon.

As far as shooting the D100 all auto is concerned, I usually start out that way. I was tryng for narrow DOF, but the auto setting was already at f2.8. As far as WB, I usually use auto, and correct in NC. Tonight, I shot some using spot metering. The birds were in shadow, but there was a harsh sun in the adjacent background. I think that my choice of auto comes from my fire photography. I usually don't get a lot of time to compose or play with adjustments there. I do check exposure on the histogram, and will compensate if necesary. Maybe I am just becoming a lazy old man LOL

Have a good one.

 

Pool

Hi Maria,
I hope that it gets warm enough to open the pool soon. It seems that we are stuck in the 60s around here.
Thanks for your comments. We usually only get on visit by the Mallards. This year they like the pond effect of the water on the pool cover plus they have plenty of food. Maybe I will get some good shots, if the sun ever comes back out.

 

Mallards

Hi Bryan,
Thanks for the comments. It is surprising what shows up in my back yard.

 

Weather

Hi Mike,

Yeah, my back deck is becoming an observation platform. You never know what is going to visit the feeder.

The weather is another story. We came home from the trailer early because of the rain and cool weather. I hope it gets better. Good luck at Bombay Hook.