Ruddy Duck in Breeding Plumage

[Doug Brown]

I got this frame while photographing with Jim Salywoda and another friend in Huntington Beach last week. It's about the best look at a male in breeding plumage that I've ever gotten. Good light really helps you get the most out of your exposure.

http://birdwhisperer.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/BPN/20100503-V5C9983-Ruddy-Duck/862004039_vN8cf-O-1.jpg

Canon 1D Mark IV, 500mm + 1.4x, f/8, 1/1600, ISO 500, manual exposure, hand held

[Stu Bowie]

Yep, its all about the light. Good HA Doug, and I like the raised wing and tail. Lovely blue on the bill, and overall, a pleasing reflection.

[Greg Basco]

Doug, beautiful image. I can't think of anything to improve upon here.

Handheld, eh? Why didn't you just leave your tripod and Wimberley here in Costa Rica with me?

Cheers,
Greg

[Doug Brown]

Doug, beautiful image. I can't think of anything to improve upon here.

Handheld, eh? Why didn't you just leave your tripod and Wimberley here in Costa Rica with me?

Thanks for the compliment Greg. Not a bad idea about the tripod; Costa Rica is about the only place I use a tripod anymore! But I thought I'd take it back to New Mexico so you and Jose could use it when you visit us later this year. :)

[Greg Basco]

Ok, now I guess we have to go. Thanks for the invite. I hope we can make this work as it would be a great time!

Cheers,
Greg

[Katie Rupp]

Sweet! Ruddy Ducks are up there on my favorites list and you caught him in perfect light with a great reflection.

[James Salywoda]

Looks great Doug in that nice calm early morning water well done.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Nicely captured Doug. Love the beautiful reflection and pose. That last time I saw one of these was last summer in Kelowna, BC. They are so striking!!!

[Alan Murphy]

Hey Doug, great shot of this stunner. Wish for a lower angle and I'm finding that stray feather a bit distracting. (I might be tempted to do PS surgery on that)

I've yet to see one in breeding plumage, so I wish this was mine.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the raised tail and relection in this beautiful image. Well done Doug!

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Nice indeed Doug. Loved the calm water and the colors. Sweet ripples as well.
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[denise ippolito]

Doug, Very nice sharp details. I wouldn't want a lower angle as it would have taken from the reflection. The blue is fantastic!:)

[Doug Brown]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. A lower angle was not possible at this location, and I agree that the angle strengthens the bird's reflection in the calm water.