Yellow billed Duck

[Stu Bowie]

These guys are extremely fast flyers. I drove 180kms to this nature reserve to have a day of opportunities. I left at 4.00am to arrive there at first light. Unfortunately, the day turned out to be overcast. Although the BG doesnt show the overcast conditions, I feel this shot made my day worthwhile. I just liked how he is separated from the BG.

Canon 50D
100-400 L IS USM @ FL 400mm
1/1259
F/7.1
ISO 640
Exp comp +33

Hand Held

[Victor Soares]

Hey Stu !!

One of the nicest YBD shots I have seen in a long time. I also like the seperation from the background and the detail is excellent. Is flying (very slightly) away from you which would be my only nit on an otherwise excellent image !! Where was this ? Marievale ?

[John Chardine]

Well done Stuart! A really nice DIF! I like the soft BG too- it really sets-off the bird well. Wing position is great and I think the head has just enough angle towards you to not upset the police.

I played around in Ps and confirmed my hunch that I think a better crop for this one is to give more room at the top and less at the bottom.

[bill kominsky]

No nits from me either Stu and totally agree with John, wonderfully done.

Bill

[Tony Whitehead]

Good job, Stuart. Lovely and sharp and great view of the speculum. Overcast conditions can be a bit frustrating as you lose the lovely warm light at the ends of the day but the soft diffused light eliminates the harsh light of the middle hours. I think this works well but agree a bit more room above would be nice.

[Maxis Gamez]

Excellent details and lovely BG.

[christopher galeski]

nice shot stuart,great BG,sharp,mint.thanks.

[Dion Lifton]

Really like this Stu , well done .

[Stu Bowie]

Thank you all so much for the kind words.