Mallards from Yesterday and a GBH from before the Thaw

There was over a dozen mallards in a break in the ice yesterday at Heinz NWR in Tinicum.  They didn't immediately fly away at the sight of me and my 400 5.6L, which is the usual response by the  waterfowl at the refuge.  With the exception of one, all of these photos are uncropped or 75% on the original image.  Here's some of my favorites:

I like how the sun illuminated the head of the duck at the center of the frame perfectly, while leaving the one directly in front of it in the dark. 

I really like the feather detail in this one.

Peek-a-boo

All but the last touch of sunlight, seen near the bird's beak, had been obscured behind the trees at this time.

I also saw several Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens):

I caught-up with a Great Blue Heron at the behest of a client and a Northern Harrier in the magic hour a few weeks ago but never posted the images:

Great Blue Heron Portrait (Uncropped), January 24, 2001, Canon 50D, 400mm 5.6L, f/8.0, ISO 250, EV -4/3.

Great Blue Heron on Ice (Uncropped), January 24, 2011, Canon 50D, 400mm 5.6L, f/8.0, ISO 320, EV -4/3.

Female Northern Harrier, January 24, 2011, Canon 50D, 400mm 5.6L, f/7.1 @ 1/800, ISO 400, 50% Crop.


Other species seen yesterday:


Canada Goose (abundant)
Downy Woodpecker (3)
Common Merganser (approx. 12)
Northern Harrier
Belted Kingfisher (also seen on 1/24/11)
Female Bald Eagle in Nest