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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Galleries >> Birds at Constitution Gardens on the National Mall > Frantic mallard
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31-May-2026

Frantic mallard

This female was quacking like crazy and running all over the place, including almost up to my feet, which was when I tried to get an impossible shot of her with my long lens (no time to change lenses or use my iPhone). She proceeded to run to the edge of the lake and jumped in. No idea why she was so agitated, but I liked this picture despite its obvious problems. I may post a later picture of her as well.

Last of the daylilies, posted earlier

Nikon Z 7 ,Nikkor AF-S 300/4E PF ED VR with FTZ adapter
1/200s f/5.6 at 300.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Carl Carbone05-Aug-2026 16:15
Poor baby.
Dan Opdal05-Aug-2026 09:32
Great shot of this squawking Mallard! I really like all of the green foreground and background in this image. V
larose forest photos04-Aug-2026 14:41
She must have youngsters nearby and running at you then jumping into the lake would be a ploy to draw you away. Amazing shot. V
janescottcumming04-Aug-2026 11:20
So much fun, great catch! V
Ton, Ben & Rob Nagtegaal04-Aug-2026 07:19
Perfect timing, tack sharp and a lovely pose. V
Arnie Peterschmidt04-Aug-2026 05:23
Definitely making her presence known, a unique action shot.
laine04-Aug-2026 02:51
Bound to be babies near and you in her eyes posed as a threat...a great photo of the action. V
Julie Oldfield04-Aug-2026 01:53
Maybe her babies were nearby. She does seem frantic. V
fotabug04-Aug-2026 01:11
Love it! The duck seems to be excited about something for sure!
Don04-Aug-2026 00:26
You caught the moment well. Protecting eggs or young?
Dennis Hoyne03-Aug-2026 22:20
A fantastic catch of this hen raging about something. A superb shot.
Hank Vander Velde03-Aug-2026 19:04
Great wide-open beak and quaking pose superbly captured Helen.
Denise J T Lee03-Aug-2026 17:20
Her frantic quacking was what made this photo so special. Really great capture. ~VVVVV+++~
Nestor Derkach03-Aug-2026 16:36
Very nice portrait she might have had some of her babies nearby.
Love the expression you captured in nice light and bokeh.
Vote
Gerard KOEHL03-Aug-2026 16:35
Excellent... Prise au bon moment. V
marie-jose wolff03-Aug-2026 14:36
Well captured from such close range! V
Ursula Miller03-Aug-2026 13:48
She definitely looks a bit upset, great capture! V
Claude Gagnon03-Aug-2026 13:34
Angry or tired? Nice capture Helen :)) V
joseantonio03-Aug-2026 13:04
maybe she had some little ones to protect.V
hayl03-Aug-2026 12:52
She sure was fired up over something. Maybe ducklings near by to protect?