I photographed these Mallard Ducks in flight as they passed overhead at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. They were flying above a cornfield where Snow Geese and Red-winged Blackbirds were feeding on grain that refuge staff had knocked down.
Several Mallards had already landed in the field. This pair stayed in the air and continued across the area.
Because they were above me, I was able to see the underside of both birds clearly. The hen flew slightly ahead, with the drake following behind. Their wings were raised at nearly the same point in the wingbeat, which helped show their shape and feather detail.
Why Mallards Use Refuge Cornfields
When refuge employees knock down corn, it creates an easy food source. Waste grain becomes available on the ground, and birds quickly move in.
Snow Geese often gather in large numbers, and blackbirds fill in the remaining space. Mallards also use these fields to feed, especially during winter when natural food sources are less available.
I watched several Mallards land directly in the field with the other birds.
These managed fields create steady movement, with birds flying in and out throughout the morning.
Photographing Ducks Flying Overhead
Photographing birds flying overhead creates a different look than birds flying at eye level. The underside becomes visible, and the wing position stands out more clearly against the sky.
The clean blue background helped isolate the birds and remove distractions from the scene below.
The drake’s green head still catches the light, even from below, while the hen’s softer brown tones blend more evenly.
This moment lasted only a few seconds before they passed out of range.
Photography Notes
Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
Date: February 6, 2026
Time: 9:33 AM
Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Lens: Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
Focal length: 800mm
Aperture: f/10
Shutter speed: 1/2000 second
ISO: 1000
Exposure compensation: +2/3
The fast shutter speed froze the wing motion and kept both birds sharp.
Shooting upward toward the sky also helped create a clean, simple composition.
Wildlife Notes
Mallards regularly move between water and nearby agricultural fields at Sequoyah. These short flights between feeding areas happen constantly during winter.
Pairs often stay close together while traveling.
Watching knocked-down cornfields can provide excellent chances to photograph birds in flight as they arrive and leave feeding areas.
This pair was part of that steady movement across the refuge.
Nice!