Hooded Merganser antics

[Bill Dix]

I'm not too crazy about the oof bird, but I thought the synchronized poses that these guys displayed were hilarious, while chasing a merg. hen just off to the right.

D7000, 700mm, ISO 640, 1/2500s @ f/7.1 manual.

[Randy Stout]

Bill:

I do agree about the OOF bird, perhaps if it wasnt quite so close.

But, the hairdo on the front bird is wild! I have never seen one quite like that. Did he have a brylcreem container with him?

The whites look a bit "muddy" on the front bird. Did you need to do some recovery. Certainly hooded mergansers can be an exposure challenge !

Cheers

Randy

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Bill, looking at that crazy hairdo, and angled inquisitive stare of the front Merganser, you dont take much notice of the OOF Merganser.

The top of his head reminds me of ' Herman Munster' from the Adams Family. :bg3:

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Randy. No, I didn't do any recovery. The exposure according to the histogram was spot-on, but the sun was bright and I think the sun angle caused some shadows across his crest, giving it that muddy look.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks for the info Bill. I have gotten that look sometimes on the loons if I have to pull back the whites, or use too much detail extractor.

Cheers

Randy

[keith mitchell]

Bill the hairdo on the main subject concentrates my eye, did you get one with the hen in?

Keith.

[Diane Miller]

I love that look! He's obviously the Head Dude! The OOF one adds to the humor -- the guy who's been outclassed. The inclusion of a disinterested-looking hen would be a great touch!

[Joe Subolefsky]

Such a cool capture. I would have been tempted to try removing the second bird.

[Steve Canuel]

No problem with the OOF bird, not much different than a reflection for me. Interesting feathers and a unique look at a commonly photographed subject.