Hitching a ride with mom

Photographer: Xing Du, Sammamish

Photo taken: June 20, Lake Sammamish State Park

Photographer's description: "I was in the park early morning to take some pictures of the lake, sunrise and mallards. Just before I wanted to leave, I saw a small group of birds swimming together very fast toward the shore. I instantly raised my camera and took a few picures before they left. Then I looked at my LCD viewer. Here they are — a mom Common Merganser and her baby ducklings. Canon XTi with 70-300 IS lens."

Expert says: Shallow depth of field and warm light coupled with a found moment create this lovely photograph. Kudos to the photographer for being out in the field to take advantage of the early morning light. I would challenge the photographer to be more aware of the focus as it is slightly in front of the subject.

— Leigh Daughtridge, Features picture editor, The Seattle Times

Please send us your photo from a recent weekend in the Northwest: Show us your family or friends having fun, in the city or out of town. Submit online at seattletimes.com/weekendphotos. We'll judge the year's best in December (and award a prize).