Who's the Handsomest Duck of All?

[Bill Dix]

After seeing Geoffrey's fine recent post of a wing-flapping White-cheeked Pintail, I was prompted to go back into my files of that great morning we spent in Lima last June. Here's one of the same species, that for some reason I had never processed before now. Full-height cropped from horizontal. Cloned out a small remnant of an oof duck on the far left.

D7200, 500f4 + 1.4 TC, ISO 800, 1/640s @ f/8 manual.

[Karl Egressy]

Great looking species for sure. Nice pose and beautiful colors and patterns in the Duck, Bill.

[keith mitchell]

Pretty Duck and it's reflection look good to me Bill,it really is elegant and you have captured that very nicely.

Keith.

[Mike Poole]

I like this one Bill. The clear reflection in the head works well and the whites have been nicely handled.

Mike

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Bill, a super pose, as if the Pintail is inquisitve of his own reflection. Having said that, I do wish those ripples were not through the neck in the reflection.

[Ross Taylor]

Hi Bill,

Your caption cracks me up :) Your shot is fabulous! I love everything about it :)

One small nit: there are 3 small bokeh in the dark water, 2 just left of the neck, 1 just right of the back. You may consider to clone them out.

TFS
Ross

[gail bisson]

What a great duck!
Unusual and pleasing pose.
IQ and exposure spot on.White patch could be easily overexposed but you nailed it.
I didn't notice the ripples through the neck until I read Stu's critique so they didn't catch my eye initially but now I keep seeing them.:e3
Gail

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all. I actually didn't mind the ripples, since most of the head was clear in the reflection. But I figured some would prefer a mirror reflection as I often do myself.

Ross, I'll go back and take out those few spots. Thanks for noticing.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Love your title. Beautiful version of our decidedly exceptional looking duck. Very nice head angle, detail and drops of water still clinging.



Geoffrey

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Geoffrey. That was such a great morning that I'd suggest we go back again, if there weren't so many other places to go.