Actually there is no such a thing like elegant landing but watching for a while ducks and geese doing it I came to conclusion that female Mallard ducks are often very precise, cautious and elegant in their landing.
Canada Goose landed on the water rather awkwardly and aggressively, but that's understandable. Before landing, he was chasing another goose and was still in a chasing mood.
This Male Mallard Duck looks a little funny while landing, doesn't it?
I love to watch landings with a lot of splashes of water everywhere. I find this landing chaotic and beautiful.
Hey, you are on my way. Give me some space.
During landing a bird has to reduce speed, cancel lift and ultimately come to a stop. As you noticed just prior to touchdown a bird is raising the front of its wings.
Generally, life is good!
