Preening Pintail

[Gayle Clement]

After landing in Albuquerque today I drove quickly through Bosque on the way to tomorrow's worksite. Many, many sandhills and lots of snow geese but a strong north wind and thin grey light. I almost didn't mind that I didn't have time to do more than a few quick shots out of the car window. Maybe later this week I'll have some time to photograph before flying out.

I borrowed my husband's 200-400 for this trip. It focuses quite differently from my trusty 500mm.


Nikon D2s, Nikkor, 200-400mm F.4G ED-IF AF-S VR
1/180s f/6.7 at 650.0mm iso200
70 % of frame

[John Cooper]

Well captured Gayle - you have caught the preening action with the eye nicely placed. Love the mercurial-like quality of the water. For me the head requires a little more sharpening, but great work!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Nice pose and the soft light looks good. The head looks a bit soft on my monitor.

[joel quenneville]

I like the pose and I think its great that we can make eye contact with the bird even though it is preening. I would add some selective sharpening to the head. Overall, good composition.