Mallard drake banking

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Mallards don't get too much love. But when the light is right, they can be quite stunning.
I was photographing Ring Necked ducks in San Diego when this guy came screeching past and did a full bank.
It sometimes pays to keep your peripheral vision engaged.

Canon 1D4, 700mm
1/3200, f6.3, iso640
manual, hand held

All comments appreciated.
Thanks.

[dankearl]

Pretty mud a perfect mallard, Sid.
You really nailed the colors, especially the head…..

[David Salem]

Great drake Mallard shot Sid. The pose is awesome and the light hit the head and the scapular wing feathers perfectly and its all set off on a great looking BG. One I would be proud to have. Very nice work.

[eddyswan]

Superb banking pose, sweet light and nice bg.

[christopher galeski]

nice image Sid,great BG,nice banking pose,love the light.

[arash_hazeghi]

excellent topside bank against a nice BG Sidharth

[Dave Johnson]

Stunning image of this handsome drake Sid. The catchlight makes this one for me. TFS.

[Joseph Przybyla]

I echo all of the previous comments. Well done, Sidharth.

[Iain Barker]

Nice capture Sidharth.

These ducks are pretty fast in flight and I think you have captured him perfectly.

TFS
Iain

[Marina Scarr]

What can be said about a perfect mallard drake in flight except that you really nailed this one, Sid.

[Glenn Conlan]

Great display of all the feathers, you have done this Drake justice.

Glenn

[Shawn Zierman]

Wow! Full tilt colors on the head and speculums. I really enjoy how mottled the background is in it's soft way. The flight pose fits this vertical presentation well. Gorgeous image Sid.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Wow Sid, that is pretty much a perfect mallard in flight image!! Excellent in every aspect. Very well done...

[Doug Brown]

That's more like it Sid! This frame has everything that your Shoveler image had, but it has the added bonus of great plumage.

[Jonathan Ashton]

A gem! Great timing and techs - well done Sid.

[Jim Crosswell]

A real stunner Sidharth! Great pose, IQ, fanned tail, colours, composition, and BG.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Thank you all viewing and commenting. Much appreciated.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Sid, absolutely nailed. Perfect banking angle which shows off the full range of colours, and overall well exposed. The vertical comp was the only way to go with this flight pose, and I do like the BG. Congrats on a fine image.

Whats wrong with Mallards. :w3

[John Robinson]

All been said I think. Great banking position. Excellent !
John