We're Back, Quack

[Bill Dix]

We Harlequins, about 20 of us at last count, have returned to the Barnegat Jetty to amuse and entertain all of you photographers for the winter months. Just be careful on the rocks. (Note: this was taken last January. I'm advised that as of last week the lighthouse and state park facilities were closed in Sandy's aftermath, but the Jetty is accessible. Getting there through the storm-ravaged communities may still be difficult.)

D7000, 500f4, ISO 400, 1/2000s @ f/8 manual.

[Shawn Zierman]

Gorgeous plumage on this handsome drake. The water beads on the feathers are a nice bonus.
Nice bright low angled winter light, and the duck pops nicely against the bg blues. Head angle
is not working for me on this one, as the eye shows weakly (imo), with barely any catchlight...

[arash_hazeghi]

cool shot in terms of details, light plus a good BG. I agree with Shawn re the HA, I wish it was parallel to the back of the camera

[Daniel Cadieux]

Good news for you Harlequin Duck photographers (one day I hope to join that list!). Techs look good, and the colours quite appealing. I find the duck quite low in the frame, but I suspect that lowering the lens would have brought in some FG elements (there is a small bit of that just peeking up already).

[Joe Senzatimore]

One fine image Bill. BG makes it pop. Wish for a little more head turn , but I also wish it were mine.

[David Salem]

Beautiful capture of a Harlaquin. Love the colors and the detail. Exposed well too. A better HA would be nice but nice none the less. Well done.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone. I agree about the HA. To make matters worse, I think his eye is partially closed. I had posted another frame of this handsome fellow last winter, with a better HA, and just came across this one in my files. You're right about the FG, Daniel. The foreground rocks prevented me getting more on the bottom.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Bill, loved the color and texture of the BG a lot. bummer about FG rocks as this one could have used a little more room below and behind the bird. Excellent exposure, colors and details.