Musk Duck stretch

[Tom Rambaut]

1D MK4, 500mm + 1.4ext, 1/1600 @ 5.6, 800ISO + 1 1/3 EV, Floating hide. lake Wallace. Added canvas to the top as I was set up for a more standard level shot when this guy reared up - the original frame stopped just above the bill tip. I think the eye has a bit of membrane covering it. The female does not have the flap under the bill.

Thanks, Tom

[PhilCook]

Forced to view this on my laptop atm


Loving the way the water forms around the body Tom, I like it a different duck pose as opposed to the usual bottoms up. Liking the unifrom blue colour to water and backdrop. A slight shame the membrane over the eye is visible, but overall looking rather good

[Ofer Levy]

I like this a lot! Great pose and lovely low angle and BG.

[Chris Martinez]

Sweet behavioural Tom. Fantastic actually!!! I think the floating blind just paid it's dues with this one!!
Lovely light with a lean clean scene.

Awesome!!!

[Marina Scarr]

Liking the pose and the blue water a lot. Would someone please explain to me what the black "piece" is below the duck's beak. I am having a tough time making this out not being familiar with this species.

[arash_hazeghi]

nice pose details and great low angle

[gail bisson]

What a great pose and composition.
You are putting your floating hide to good use!
Gail

[Tom Rambaut]

Liking the pose and the blue water a lot. Would someone please explain to me what the black "piece" is below the duck's beak. I am having a tough time making this out not being familiar with this species.

Marina - only the male has the black flap of skin below the bill. This species of duck is very strange indeed. During the breeding season - which is now - the males find a bit of lake and patrol around displaying - they slap that water and do circles and splash with there tails. I'm guessing that the flap of skin is there for display.

Here is a link to more info on this species. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musk_Duck

[Tom Rambaut]

http://ibc.lynxeds.com/video/musk-du...et-make-splash

A video of the display this duck does.

[Marina Scarr]

Tom, that is some crazy looking behavior!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this video. I had no idea a duck such as this even existed. I need to get out more. :)

[Daniel Cadieux]

Very nice pose and behaviour. Excellent low angle and the blues are very appealing. Good job adding canvas, but I'd be tempted to trim about half the space below. Have you thought of darkening the pupil?