Harlequin Duck

[Doug Brown]

Photographed at Yellowstone on an overcast day last May. This was my first and only encounter with a Harlequin, and it let me get very close. From what I've been reading on this forum, I got lucky. I guess they are pretty skittish.

http://birdwhisperer.smugmug.com/photos/281684854_UwmUa-X2.jpg

Canon 30D, 500mm, f/6.3, 1/1000, ISO 400, flash, monopod

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great find, I didn't know you can find them inland. Exposure control and details look great, maybe a tad less contrast.

[Arthur Morris]

Very nicely done. I might try lightening the area around the eye (or possibly the iris alone) just a bit (and so might you) <smile> When they are on their breeding streams they are not impossible to approach.

[Robert O'Toole]

Yellowstone? I like it good job. I second arties recommendation on the eye. The tiny bright catchlight looks flashed.

I like the rough water also.

Robert

[Bonnie Block]

Nice find, Doug! and glad you got a chance to get close.

[Doug Brown]

Interestingly, I did brighten the iris. It must have been particularly dark. Thanks for the feedback.

[Doug Brown]

Thanks Bonnie. You are the Harlequin queen, and I really like your photos of them!