Shy birds, but the trick is duck weed.

Prior to our rare snow/freeze/ice/cold as xxx weather it was nice and warm, good duck weed weather. The Teals have arrived and this is their favorite meal.

Typically a big 150-600 mm lens is needed to get any decent photographs. I am forcing myself to carry, and use, the shorter (and lighter) 18-400 mm lens. These were all taken with that lens.

A small flock of Teals stayed just close enough to get a few hundred shots before doing their usual ‘run for the hills’ routine.

Click any image to view the gallery.

A Series, Blue-winged Teals – click to enlarge

A Series, Blue-winged Teals – click to enlarge

A Series, Blue-winged Teals – click to enlarge

A Series, Blue-winged Teals – click to enlarge

A Series, Blue-winged Teals – click to enlarge

A Series, Blue-winged Teals – click to enlarge

A Series, Blue-winged Teals – click to enlarge

Later, in a different area of the swamp, these 2 Teals sat out in the open. I’m not sure why they would do that, this is home to Hawks, Alligators, and Eagles.

These 2 swam away without any cares, so they may know something I don’t.