Usa News
Unearthing Mohave County’s Secret Duck Ponds
At a young age, the author discovered a passion for photography thanks to a Sears SLR camera gifted by their stepdad. This marked the beginning of exploring the intricacies of photography, including concepts like f-stops and aperture. To practice, the duo ventured to a local duck pond, a place that has since left a lasting impression filled with memories of photographing various duck species.
Despite now living in the desert, the yearning for those childhood experiences remains strong. In Mohave County, waterfowl can still be found if one knows where to look. Locations near the Colorado River are promising, but even urban spots like the Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course can host impressive gatherings of ducks and geese. Recently, during an assignment at the golf course, Canada geese and mallards were spotted, creating a familiar scene reminiscent of those childhood outings.
Canada geese (Branta canadensis), well-adapted across North America, thrive in both wild and urban settings. Known for their herbivorous diet, they also occasionally consume small fish and insects. Their adaptation to human environments has led to increased populations in some areas, sometimes viewed as pests due to noise and droppings. While regulated hunting seasons exist for these migratory game birds, capturing them on camera is permissible year-round. With a zoom lens, the author elegantly documented these encounters, reclaiming a piece of their youthful joy while respecting the wildlife around them.