Steller's Eider

[Matthew Studebaker]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4713283569_61fc864ec9_b.jpg
Barrow, AK | June | Canon 1D4 | Canon 600mm f4 IS | 1/640, f6.3, ISO400
Quick edit from laptop. I was pleased this endangered species gave us some photo opps (several) at good distances posing in attractive sections of tundra. We spent many hours and a few tundra hikes trying to get close to this species.

[Jan Wegener]

killer stuff Matthew. I love the tundra setting.

I think some fill flash might have improved the image even further. I don't know however, how the duck would have reacted... So don't tale this as critic, just a suggestion when I see this image.

I think some more saturation might have almost the same effect..

[Bill Jobes]

The trek paid big dividends, Matthew !

It's wonderful to see this (at least for me) unusual bird.

Exposure, sharpness and comp look real good to me.

I take it the day was overcast, as the catch light is somewhat muted. That's not at all intended to be a criticism; just an observation.

The colors speak 'tundra' in volumes !

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great find and setting, I only wish the head were angled a bit toward you.

[Rich Steel]

Hi Matthew

I was hoping there would still be a few of these lingering around north Norway during my visit last week. Unfortunately only eider could be located. In the spring the harbours up there are packed with thes birds and King EIder. Oh well a good excuse for abothr trip.

The colours of the bird complliment well those of the tundra and it is a good setting as I have only seen photos of this bird either in flight or on the water. I agree the saturation could be pushed up a touch. Glad to see you hiking efforts were rewarded as it is not the easiest of terrains to negotiate.

Cheers

Rich

[Chris van Rooyen]

Matthew I love the atmosphere and wider approach you followed here. The habitat is lovely, and the low angle as well.

[Matthew Studebaker]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4713283569_825325cc66_b.jpg
Hopefully this looks a little better / brighter. That will teach me to edit from my laptop :)

[Bill Jobes]

Beautiful job, Matthew.

Unfortunately, the original post is 'unavailable' according to Flickr, so I can't comment on any comparison.