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Inspiring and Supporting Photographers of Australian Birds

Hardhead

Hardhead (Image ID 37996)
Photographed byJim Schultz on Fri 30th Nov, 2018 and uploaded on Sun 5th Jan, 2020 .
Resolution1400x860
Viewed298
ID37996
CommentThis pair of Hardhead Ducks was captured low above the water in a ritual display flight, in which the female plays ‘catch me’. The Hardhead Duck was previously known as the White-eyed Duck, but as only the drake exhibits white eyes, the name ‘Hardhead’ took over. This name is said to refer to early taxidermists finding the head of the species ‘hard to process’, but prior to 1990, duck hunting then being legal in WA, I was told a hunter’s tale: ‘The duck is so called, because it’s hard to kill and stays longer in the air after being hit, even if hit in the head’. Whatever the reason: ‘Hardhead Duck’ it is! This duck prefers open lakes with deep water, but is also found in swamps, ponds and in deep rivers with still water. A true diving duck, it dives deep, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates and aquatic plants, and it can stay submerged for a minute. The Hardhead breeds in even small ponds and wetlands, where these are densely vegetated. Bibra Lake; GPS. Status: Least Concern
EquipmentNikon D500 camera body, Nikkor AF-S 500mm f4G ED VR lens, Gitzo GT3543XLS Tripod , Dietmar Nill gimbal tripod head Camera Settings: 1/1600s; f7.1; ISO-140 (Auto). Manual Exposure Mode; Center-weighted Metering; Focus Mode AF-C/AF-Area Mode: Single. Picture Control: Standard Nikon ViewNX-i for viewing and selecting files; Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw/CC 2019; Topaz Pro plug-ins for sharpening and noise control. ‘Australian Bird Guide 2019’ for data and colour checks.
LocationBibra Lake; GPS, Western Australia
Keywordsmale, female, in flight, adult, behaviour/display
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