--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Look at that mallard as he floats on the…" description: "\"Look at that mallard as he floats on the lake; see his elevated head glittering with emerald green, his amber eyes glancing in the light! Even at this ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/john-james-audubon-9371_amber_look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the_1066479.jpg" --- # Look at that mallard as he floats on the lake; see his… ![“Look at that mallard as he floats on the lake; see his elevated head glittering with emerald green, his amber eyes glancing in the light! Even at this distance, he has marked you, and suspects that you bear no goodwill towards him, for he sees that you have a gun, and he has many a time been…” quote by John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/john-james-audubon-9371_amber_look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the_1066479.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/john-james-audubon-9371_amber_look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the_1066479.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/john-james-audubon-9371_amber_look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the_1066479.jpg) > “Look at that mallard as he floats on the lake; see his elevated head glittering with emerald green, his amber eyes glancing in the light! Even at this distance, he has marked you, and suspects that you bear no goodwill towards him, for he sees that you have a gun, and he has many a time been frightened by its report, or that of some other. The wary bird draws his feet under his body, springs upon then, opens his wings, and with loud quacks bids you farewell.” [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A wary bird senses danger, reacts defensively, and warns the observer with loud calls, reflecting instinctive self‑preservation. **In simple terms:** The bird feels threatened and defends itself. Key Takeaway Respect wildlife and keep distance. Themes nature danger defense communication Mood cautious reflective Type observational ethical When to use this quote - birdwatching - hunting - outdoor photography - conservation - wildlife education Key Concepts instinct territoriality perception Questions to Reflect On - How do you respond when you sense fear in others? - What signals indicate a creature feels threatened? A Different Perspective The bird’s reaction may be misinterpreted as aggression rather than fear. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Amber eyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/amber-eyes/) [Bears](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bears/) [Bird](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bird/) [Body](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/body/) [Emerald green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emerald-green/) [Farewell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/farewell/) [Goodwill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goodwill/) [Gun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gun/) [Lakes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lakes/) [Light](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/light/) [Quacks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quacks/) [Reports](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reports/) [Spring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spring/) ## Related quotes > [My idea of fast food is a mallard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-nugent/my-idea-of-fast-food-is-a-mallard/) [Ted Nugent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-nugent/) > [“It would be a primal offering of food from man to woman and a satisfyingly primitive declaration of intent. However, he mused, one could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-simonson/it-would-be-a-primal-offering-of-food-from-man-to-woman-and-a/) [Helen Simonson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-simonson/) > [“From Woody's Restaurant, Middlebury" Today, noon, a young macho friendly waiter and three diners, business types—two males, one female— are in a quandary about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greg-delanty/from-woody-s-restaurant-middlebury-today-noon-a-young-macho-friendly/) Greg Delanty > [The best long range shotgun load to have in one's boat for mallards is a fine retriever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nash-buckingham/the-best-long-range-shotgun-load-to-have-in-one-s-boat-for-mallards/) Nash Buckingham > [And strangely enoughthe only emotion I ever feel, is what the beaver must feel, as he bears each stick to his hidden construction, which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-collins/and-strangely-enoughthe-only-emotion-i-ever-feel-is-what-the-beaver/) [Billy Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-collins/) > [Bloodthirsty little beasts. Never trust a duck.- William Herondale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/bloodthirsty-little-beasts-never-trust-a-duck-william-herondale/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Mankind: A quality of life upgrade is available to each and every one of you. It should give you a quality of life upgrade,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-nugent/mankind-a-quality-of-life-upgrade-is-available-to-each-and-every-one/) [Ted Nugent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-nugent/) > [Remember when you tried to convince me to feed a poultry pie to the mallards in the park to see if you could breed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/remember-when-you-tried-to-convince-me-to-feed-a-poultry-pie-to-the/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Children, as persons, are entitled to the greatest respect. Children are given to us as free-flying souls, but then we clip their wings like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerry-spence/children-as-persons-are-entitled-to-the-greatest-respect-children-are/) [Gerry Spence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerry-spence/) ## More by John James Audubon > [All trembling, I reached the Falls of Niagara, and oh, what a scene! My blood shudders still, although I am not a coward, at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/all-trembling-i-reached-the-falls-of-niagara-and-oh-what-a-scene-my/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [From the top of a high rock, I obtained a good few of the most extensive and dreary wilderness I ever beheld. It chilled…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/from-the-top-of-a-high-rock-i-obtained-a-good-few-of-the-most/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [To repay evils with kindness is the religion I was taught to practise, and this will forever be my rule.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/to-repay-evils-with-kindness-is-the-religion-i-was-taught-to-practise/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [Surrounded by all the members of my dear family, enjoying the affection of numerous friends, who have never abandoned me, and possessing a sufficient…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/surrounded-by-all-the-members-of-my-dear-family-enjoying-the/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [I cannot help but think a curious event is this life of mine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/i-cannot-help-but-think-a-curious-event-is-this-life-of-mine/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [In America, business is the first object in view at all times, and rightly it should be so.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/in-america-business-is-the-first-object-in-view-at-all-times-and/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [I looked long and carefully at the picture of a stag painted by Landseer - the style was good, and the brush was handled…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/i-looked-long-and-carefully-at-the-picture-of-a-stag-painted-by/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [Almost every day, instead of going to school, I made for the fields, where I spent my day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/almost-every-day-instead-of-going-to-school-i-made-for-the-fields/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [How could I make a little book, when I have seen enough to make a dozen large books?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/how-could-i-make-a-little-book-when-i-have-seen-enough-to-make-a/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [The fact is I am growing old too fast, alas! I feel it, and yet work I will, and may God grant me life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/the-fact-is-i-am-growing-old-too-fast-alas-i-feel-it-and-yet-work-i/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [My drawings at first were made altogether in watercolors, but they wanted softness and a great deal of finish.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/my-drawings-at-first-were-made-altogether-in-watercolors-but-they/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [July 2. A beautiful day for Labrador. Went ashore and killed nothing, but was pleased with what I saw. The country is so grandly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/july-2-a-beautiful-day-for-labrador-went-ashore-and-killed-nothing/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [The Fur Company may be called the exterminating medium of these wild and almost uninhabitable regions, which cupidity or the love of money alone…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/the-fur-company-may-be-called-the-exterminating-medium-of-these-wild/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [To have been torn from the study would have been as death; my time was entirely occupied with art.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/to-have-been-torn-from-the-study-would-have-been-as-death-my-time-was/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) > [Because my father was often absent on naval duty, my mother suffered me to do much as I pleased](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/because-my-father-was-often-absent-on-naval-duty-my-mother-suffered/) [John James Audubon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) [Explore all 73 John James Audubon quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/) ## More Amber quotes > [“I don't know what this feeling is... I only know that I feel safe in your arms. My heart races every time I see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-west/i-don-t-know-what-this-feeling-is-i-only-know-that-i-feel-safe-in/) [Sarah West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-west/) > [I have been much amused at ye singular phenomena resulting from bringing of a needle into contact with a piece of amber or resin…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaac-newton/i-have-been-much-amused-at-ye-singular-phenomena-resulting-from/) [Isaac Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isaac-newton/) > [Dear Amber Hope,You're amazing, Funny, creative, and yet soooo pretty xD Don't let anyone I mean ANYONE tell you different! 'Cause they are soooo…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jasmine/dear-amber-hope-you-re-amazing-funny-creative-and-yet-soooo-pretty-xd/) [Jasmine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jasmine/) > [There is an infinity of landscape here, caused by the purity of the atmosphere. It has been said that there is a lack of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hans-heysen/there-is-an-infinity-of-landscape-here-caused-by-the-purity-of-the/) Hans Heysen > [I'm not the kind of artist that wants to get a sound, refine it, and do it 'til I'm 50 so that it's the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doseone/i-m-not-the-kind-of-artist-that-wants-to-get-a-sound-refine-it-and-do/) [Doseone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doseone/) > [“Amber was not shy. If she had been shy, not one of us would be at Perkins right now.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lorrie-moore/amber-was-not-shy-if-she-had-been-shy-not-one-of-us-would-be-at/) [Lorrie Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorrie-moore/) > [“I peel hiss tense fingers on his right hand away from the steering wheel, one two three four five. With each finger, the scowl…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-schroeder/i-peel-hiss-tense-fingers-on-his-right-hand-away-from-the-steering/) [Lisa Schroeder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-schroeder/) > [ My grandmother used to say that there's something truly intimate about sharing food with the people you love." \[Stacey\] "Intimate? Sharing food? People you… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-faria-stolarz/my-grandmother-used-to-say-that-there-s-something-truly-intimate/) [Laurie Faria Stolarz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-faria-stolarz/) > [I didn't expect to be doing a whole bunch of Amber Browns. And because it was just one book, and the father had moved…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paula-danziger/i-didn-t-expect-to-be-doing-a-whole-bunch-of-amber-browns-and-because/) [Paula Danziger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paula-danziger/) > [Most cats feel that bird-catching is their duty; the instinct goes back to prehistoric times. Amber keeps in practice by chasing moths.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gladys-taber/most-cats-feel-that-bird-catching-is-their-duty-the-instinct-goes/) [Gladys Taber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gladys-taber/) > [“Cade motions with a nod to follow him. He's holding the pole, and I'm the fish on the line. Just how far will he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-schroeder/cade-motions-with-a-nod-to-follow-him-he-s-holding-the-pole-and-i-m/) [Lisa Schroeder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-schroeder/) > [His smell—the scent of a demon, cinnamon incense, amber musk—wrapped around me, filled my lungs. I felt like I could breathe again, without every…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lilith-saintcrow/his-smell-the-scent-of-a-demon-cinnamon-incense-amber-musk-wrapped/) [Lilith Saintcrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lilith-saintcrow/) > [Whence we see spiders, flies, or ants entombed and preserved forever in amber, a more than royal tomb.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-bacon/whence-we-see-spiders-flies-or-ants-entombed-and-preserved-forever-in/) [Francis Bacon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-bacon/) > [Memory is all we are. Moments and feelings, captured in amber, strung on filaments of reason. Take a man’s memories and you take all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-lawrence/memory-is-all-we-are-moments-and-feelings-captured-in-amber-strung-on/) [Mark Lawrence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-lawrence/) > [But the world moves on, even when you don’t want it to, even when change feels like the end of everything. It never stops.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-aguirre/but-the-world-moves-on-even-when-you-don-t-want-it-to-even-when/) [Ann Aguirre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-aguirre/) Browse all 183 Amber quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Look at that mallard as he floats on the lake; see his elevated head glittering with emerald green, his amber eyes glancing in the light! Even at this distance, he has marked you, and suspects that you bear no goodwill towards him, for he sees that you have a gun, and he has many a time been frightened by its report, or that of some other. The wary bird draws his feet under his body, springs upon then, opens his wings, and with loud quacks bids you farewell.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "John James Audubon" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the-lake-see-his-elevated-head/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Amber" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the-lake-see-his-elevated-head/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/john-james-audubon-9371_amber_look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the_1066479.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/john-james-audubon-9371_amber_look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the_1066479.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/john-james-audubon-9371_amber_look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the_1066479.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Look at that mallard as he floats on the lake; see his elevated head glittering with emerald green, his…” — John James Audubon", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "John James Audubon", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-james-audubon/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Look at that mallard as he...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the-lake-see-his-elevated-head/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-james-audubon/look-at-that-mallard-as-he-floats-on-the-lake-see-his-elevated-head/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```