Yellow-billed Duck

A Yellow-billed Duck displays its wingspan before landing. Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Pretoria, South Africa.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Date/Time: 2008:07:07 08:47:04
Shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
Aperture: 8
Exposure mode: Av
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Lens: 500mm F4 IS
Focal length: 500mm

Very cool pose and details. I would give it a bit more room at the top and might be tempted to remove the shadow of the bill on the chest. Thanks for sharing!

Hi Kirsten!

I'm with Axel ... very cool! I like the fully spread tail/wing/feet and all the nice details! The bicolored smooth background is equally cool!

Love the BKGR, the spread wings and tail, and the hanging feet. Would loved to have seen more room above the duck.

The hanging feet and the "O my gosh" look to this image is a winner all in it's own. Since I do not have any good fliers, I can't offer a critique for that. I will say one thing, the wing span details are very nice, good exposure too.

Perfectly symmetric, excellent details. Lovely bokeh to go with...
Might wish just a little more room on top.

Love everything about it, it is going to my favorites list! I really really LOVED it the minute I saw it! Congratulations!!!

Kirsten,
This is absolutely perfect for my taste. Thanks for posting. :)

Sorry, but I just realized that he looks like he crashed into a window :)

Well done Kirsten! I'm not particularly bothered by the crop. The bill shadow is about the only thing that I might change.

This image is very cool, Kirsten. The symmetry is amazing and the sharpness is outstanding. I agree that more room at the top would make it even better.

Thanks for the nice comments and advice guys!

fantastic shot...