Full stop - Mallard Drake landing

I haven't had a chance to get out much this winter, so was happy when the sun came out for a few hours today. Visited the local bird sanctuary, hoping to find some activity. Lots of mallards, trumpeter swans, but not a lot of activity.
Still, was able to capture a few images.

D4 600VR f/8 1/2500s ISO 800 Gitzo/Wimberley

Post: Added canvas to right and below. Selective sharpening. Cleaned up a few minor spots in snow.

I was struck by the extreme wing back pose, curved back and orange gear out for landing.

A few snacks where served.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

Superb neck stretch combined with wing position providing a very dynamic pose.

Love the pose and braking action here Randy. I also like the blues and shadow of the running gear. brrrhhh, enjoyed this one! well done.

Brace for landing... neat image, Randy. Beautiful green iridescent head, nice wing back position. Thank you for sharing.

Gorgeous image with wonderful IQ.
Spectacular moment captured. Love the landing pose, great details, wing position and absolutely superb colour balance in the frame.
Great show, Randy sir.

Regards,
satish.

Great landing pose, Randy. Perfectly timed and exposed.

Hi Randy and nice alternative to the Loons, the vibrancy of the subject set against the BKG snow really works well. The blue also provides an addition and breaks up the white of the snow.

Wings swept back, orange skids set for landing, head outstretch very nice pose and I also like the slight blur of the tips of the wing feathers.

TFS
Steve

That certainly is taken at the peak of the stretch! Perfect light angle to illuminate the green sheen on the head. Good thing you did not have the extender on!

Excellent image Randy! I like the wing position, IQ, exposure, landing gear, setting and composition.

Thanks everyone for your input, much appreciated. If they weren't so common, we would think that mallards were pretty impressive based on their coloration.

Cheers

Randy

Hi Randy, Sometimes I actually prefer the frame just before touchdown , as you have captured here. Excellent exposure on the green of the head, and yes, the different colours do pop against the winter BG. Love the swept back wings, together with the extended legs.

I just love the dynamic pose you captured here!
The iridescence on the head looks perfect.
Very eye-catching image Randy!
Gail