Jim Poor
02-08-2008, 02:34 PM
The thin oof slice of boat ramp brings this couple to Hand of Man.
Back before the holidays, I spent quite a while watching and photographing these two mallards. The male was obviously injured.
He seemed to forage well enough and swim just fine, no flying for him though. His mate stayed right by his side and even caught fish to bring back to him. I watched a gull steal one once (meanie) and I watched these two get along just like ducks do. Swimming, eating, doing that "bottoms up" dive thing ducks do, and even mating.
I called several rehabbers and finally heard back from one who thought it was best to just let them be. I made a nice close up of the female which I have posted before.
The good news is, I visited with them today for quite a while with the 200-400 and hope to have a nice series to follow up on this image.
This image (not technically the greatest, but . . .) was taken on 18 Dec 07 at Burke Lake in VA.
D300
600mm f4
1/500 @ f7.1
Post work:
Rotated a little, but managed to keep full frame right to left.
Curves to lighten the birds and a QM to keep the water from blowing out.
QM on the male's head to lighten it a little.
Smart Sharpen 200% @ .2 pixels.
I'd like a little more room for her tail feathers, and I'm undecided on whether to take some off the top. I think the space gives room for her vigilance, but I'm still wavering.
Back before the holidays, I spent quite a while watching and photographing these two mallards. The male was obviously injured.
He seemed to forage well enough and swim just fine, no flying for him though. His mate stayed right by his side and even caught fish to bring back to him. I watched a gull steal one once (meanie) and I watched these two get along just like ducks do. Swimming, eating, doing that "bottoms up" dive thing ducks do, and even mating.
I called several rehabbers and finally heard back from one who thought it was best to just let them be. I made a nice close up of the female which I have posted before.
The good news is, I visited with them today for quite a while with the 200-400 and hope to have a nice series to follow up on this image.
This image (not technically the greatest, but . . .) was taken on 18 Dec 07 at Burke Lake in VA.
D300
600mm f4
1/500 @ f7.1
Post work:
Rotated a little, but managed to keep full frame right to left.
Curves to lighten the birds and a QM to keep the water from blowing out.
QM on the male's head to lighten it a little.
Smart Sharpen 200% @ .2 pixels.
I'd like a little more room for her tail feathers, and I'm undecided on whether to take some off the top. I think the space gives room for her vigilance, but I'm still wavering.