Gadwall Hen " The Golden Glow"

Gadwall Duck
Southern, California

Gadwall ducks tend to elevate quickly on a steep angle as this hen was climbing out....:)

Nikon D300S AFS 600 F4 1.4 TC
ISO 640 F5.6 1/2500

Thanks For Looking
Jim

Simply put, the best Gadwall image I have seen! The feather position, the feather details, the killer light, the killer BG. NICE, now go and frame it! :)

Gorgeous !!! Wonderful lighting and great flight pose with excellent detail. A real beauty James !!!

Exquisite image. All the colors work together perfectly. Tack sharp but not overdone.

If I had my druthers I would wish the shadow behind the wing wasn't there. Would also consider removing the forward catch light.

Man, you are really on a roll Jim because these waterfowl shots are your best ever. I can't wait to give all of my focus points a work out this weekend.

Absolutely stunning image!!! I think the shadow from the wing is not a big issue here, as the overall splendor from the evening light make up for it. I think I see some noise around the tail feathers and beak area, but may be my monitor. Thanks for sharing :)

Hi Jim, I love this image. Your composition, pose, exposure, sharpness, and background all are spot on in my opinion. A beautiful image, congratulations.

So beautiful Jim! Love the wing position, the gorgeous light, eye contact and BG. Too bad the far wing is OOF. For me this could use a bit more room especially in front of the bird. Otherwise pretty much killer!

I love the grin on her face and the warm light. Perfect BG and I'm OK with the placement in frame for web presentation. A print would require more room around.

Jim, Beautiful golden BG. Stunning details. I love the wing position.

Oh My that is exquisite ! Color is just wonderful as is the feather detail.. Wow

Hi James
Perfection or as close as you can get to it.
Ted

My friend , it will take some time and hardwork for anyone to superseed this image , Big congrats
TFS

Could a flying Duck get any better? I don;t think so... light, pose, detail, BG, colores, sharpness and comp are all simply awesome! Big congratulatinos!

What can I say James - another fantastic capture from you. I like the IQ, light, detail and colours. Great wing position, and overall this is really so sharp. Very well captured.

Wonderful wing position and BG, congrats!

Now that is sweet light. Fantastic image with outstanding detail and colours. Nice and sharp too. Wel done James.

Probably a bit tight for me but man! Those colors and pose. Absolutely PERFECT Jim!

Hi James
Superb shot .the colours, light,detail and background are just perfect!!!

Asad

A wallhanger duck for sure!

James, hats off. the BG takes this over the top....and of course the sharpness and the wing position are excellent. Keep 'em coming.

Beautiful work Jim! It's all been said above, just wanted to add my congrats on such a stunner!!