Mating Wood Ducks

[dankearl]

This happens fast and this is the first time I have captured this behavior.
A keeper for me for that reason...

1/500, iso6400, f6.3, 600mm, D610

610_7199bpn.jpg (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=156992&stc=1&d=1447769989)

[Marina Scarr]

Well done on a difficult behavior to capture b/c, so often, the female's head is submerged! If you are not opposed to PS, I think I'd remove the one larger highlight from the upper right quadrant. Well done. Nice low angle and you get a great look here at both heads.

[Mike Poole]

A nice moment, but I think it has the potential to be a much stronger image.

If your ethics allow, I'd consider cloning the highlights in the upper right, lowering the ducks a little in the frame, and maybe look at a little clockwise rotation. The WB also looks a little off to me with a bit of a magenta cast.

I did a very quick rough and ready edit - WDYT?

156996

[dankearl]

Thanks, Mike.
I actually had it cropped about like you show but at iso6400, I did not want to crop too much.
I think it looks fine.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the behavior, sharpness, HA's and composition in the repost. Excellent image under challenging conditions Dan!

[Ron Conlon]

Outstanding image of a decisive moment

[Grace Scalzo]

How those hens don't drown is always amazing to me. Good angle of your subjects to you and again your low shooting angle paid off. I saw something funny with the colors which it looks like Mike addressed. Sure this one will hold a strong place in your portfolio.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Nice timing and perfect angle. Amazing quality for iso 6400.
Magenta cast noted.

[Marina Scarr]

Great job on the repost.

[David Salem]

To get both heads in good position aint easy. I have tried. Not only did you get a good shot of ducks copulating, you got one of the pretties one there are. Nice shot Dan