I’m curious as to why you chose this photo to post. Personally, I’d have waited or arranged for the bird to be facing me, or ideally, facing a bit past my left or right shoulder, and then I’d have crouched down to its level for a shot. Bonus points if the sun is behind you when you take the shot. Most mallards I encounter are near tame, so I’d also have tried to get closer for a sharper result if this is the result of cropping or digital zoom.