Mallard ducks can leap into the air from the water as they burst into flight. Their broad powerful wings, large pectoral muscles and buoyant bodies enable them to lift quickly into the air from the water's surface. Mallards can feed in shallow potholes as they do not need a running start to achieve flight as do some other species. For this reason, grassy marshes are favorite hangouts.
In the composition, "Ladies First", a hen mallard takes flight from behind some cattails and is instantly followed by the drake. The drake is not always the last to leave as manners are thrown to the wind when danger approaches. Startled each rockets upward attempting to put as much distance as it can between itself and a pursuing predator. Within seconds both will be long gone.
"Truly Canadian Wildlife Art"
MenzArt Gallery - Gil Menzies
Calgary, Alberta Canada
E-mail: lmenzies@menzies.com Website: www.menzart.com
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