The hot chick displays

[Nikolay Staykov - shotlandetsa]

This image is photographed at 26.11.2006, 18:07

350D, 500mm f/4 L IS + 1.4x II
ISO 400, f7.1 , 1/400sec

This is one of my favourite images from that day. Sadly, nowadays few birds have come to this small lake near Sofia (Bulgaria), probably of the sacrilege hunting during the winter.

http://www.all4smartphone.com/personal/bpn/barneta-9994-2-1.jpg

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the preening pose and reflection. The chest plumage looks a bit overexposed and I would prefer if the other duck were in focus, too. The upper part of the BG is a bit distracting.

[Marko Matesic]

I love colors and reflection!....BG colors are the same like duck`s head colors...big plus for me

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi,

Very nice colors and details but the out of focus duck is taking away from your other subject.

[Arthur Morris]

Very interesting. I love the mix of colors in the upper BKGR. I might have tried a HORZ to get more of that. You might try a contrast mask on the front bird. Select it with a QM (as in the Digital Basics update) and then apply Unsharp Mask at 20/80/0... It might sharpen the oof bird just enough.... The preening bird's head is in the shade, and the oranges are overstaturated.

later and love, artie

[Linda Robbins]

This image is bursting with color and I like the reflections. I'd like to see it reposted after you try Artie's fix.

[Hillebrand Breuker]

I like the colors and reflection very much. These Teals can also seen in the Netherlands, but are not very common.

[Jeff Wear]

I like your work:eek: some great captures

[Nikolay Staykov - shotlandetsa]

Thank you all for the sugestions!

Sorry for my delayed annswer, but unexpectedly I have to travel back and forth 600 km to deliver to a rescue center a striving buzzard, that have experienced a severe hypotermic shock after swimming a half lake due to accidental drop down in the freezing cold waters.

Arthur,

"You might try a contrast mask on the front bird. Select it with a QM (as in the Digital Basics update) and then apply Unsharp Mask at 20/80/0... It might sharpen the oof bird just enough...."

- I am ashamed of confessing I do not know how to do that :o
, thow my CD books will come in the forthcoming working week.