Eurasian Teal

Gallery: AvianPosted February 14, 201193 views4 comments

I went to San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, CA. I stopped by the Sea and Sage Audubon House to see what was going on. They said a Eurasian Teal (Common Teal) was spotted at one of the ponds. I headed out to find it among all the Green-wing Teals. I lucked out and spotted him on the side of the pond. He did not go in the water, he just waddled around a bank but not before I got a lot of shots. Here is one of my favorites. It is exciting to see a bird which is uncommon in an area. Why the name "Common Teal"?

Comments are appreciated.

02-12-11 2:30 p.m.
Canon 7D
300 2.8L + 1.4 ext
f/7.1
1/800
ISO 640
Exposure Comp 0
WB - Auto
Tripod

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on February 14, 2011 at 11:03 AM

Hi Harry: Looks like a great opportunity. Good looking bird. Don't know if was possible, but I sure would like to see a lower angle.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Harbour on February 14, 2011 at 1:15 PM

I especially like the capture of the green and blue iridescence on the head, which I think is challenging.

Registered on January 4, 2008, 113 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on February 14, 2011 at 5:35 PM

Great to see this bird Harry. I like the side lighting and the sharpness looks good. I might warm this up just a bit if this were mine. The surrounding are not the most complimentary, but hey, you can't make the bird go in the water, so you get what you can. Maybe another trip is warranted and maybe this time it will swim for you.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on February 14, 2011 at 11:10 PM

Harry,
Your hard work paid off when you found this little guy. I have not been to San Joaquin for some time becasue most of the ponds and lakes had too much water for the wading birds. Are the ponds still mostly flooded? At any rate, this is a rare bird for our area and I'm glad you were able to find him Harry. Like some of the other commentors have said, would like to see a little lower angle and it would be terrific to see him in the water. Sounds like another trip is warranted Harry. Good capture.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments