It feels like forever since I wrote a blog post so I apologize for that but with everything going on in the world and all the “new” norms we have to adapt to it has thrown me off my usual routines.

Heading into April I have been super pumped about one subject which is the Northern Pintail. About two years ago while out for a drive with my family I noticed a small pond (which will remain unnamed) that a number of pairs of Pintail were hanging out in. It caught me by surprise because I had never seen Pintails in the pond before. I made a few attempted that year at photographing them and manage to come away with some ok images. When I returned to the location about a month after noticing them they were no where to be found…this got me thinking. Were they using this location to “pair up” before moving off to a secret breeding location? (Pintails do breed on the in Newfoundland)

The following year I noticed that again in April they return which seemed to reinforce my idea that this location was in fact a hook up spot.

So needless to say I was counting down the days heading towards April this year and originally looking back at my data sheets (I highly recommend you keep records of any sightings and dates you see) I was thinking the light wouldn’t get good there until the end of April. With little to no wind in the forecast the first weekend in April I decided to try my luck at the pond and boy was I glad I did.

I hit the pond well before sunrise and to my surprise there were 7 pairs of Pintail. The males were particularly weary about my presence and some took flight at my initial approach but soon return.

It was nearly a clear morning which allowed the first rays of light to light up this beautiful female Northern Pintail

Then a couple males started to get comfortable to approach within a good distance for images

What I love most about this location is that it is surrounded by high foliage which allows for great reflections in the water and great background colours.

It also provides a great opportunity for me to try various lighting angles which I am still experimenting with. Here are a couple attempts of interesting light

Side/Rim lighting on this male

Rim Lighting on the female Pintail

So if there is anything you can take from this post is that while you are out and about in your local area take note of any sightings you see and the dates/times in which you see them. This information can prove to be very valuable for future opportunities. Needless to say I am itching to get back to this location as the conditions continue to improve and its a great past time as I wait for our Song Birds to arrive.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my post and please stay safe out there.