Northern Pintail

[Kerry Perkins]

Hello all. This image from Bosque shows that it's not all cranes and geese; there are a lot of other birds that are drawn to the refuge. I love watching the ducks take off and land and fly across my frame. This one was looking for a choice landing spot. I was at Bosque for six days, and it wasn't until the sixth day that the wind and sun lined up behind me so I could capture a few shots like this.

1D4, EF400mm f/5.6L
Manual mode, f/5.6@1/2500 ISO 400 WB 5100K
AI Servo autofocus, hand-held no flash

[James Shadle]

Dang it man!
Dead sharp, eye contact, perfect exposure(look at the under wing detail), nice position in the frame and I love the sky.
Sorry only positive things to say.

[Ian Cassell]

I second the Captain's vote to a 'T'. Great image, Kerry! Was that the natural sky or did you add clouds?

Although I missed my November trip to the Bosque, it looks like I'll be able to go the second week in January (brrrrrr.......). I better find my shooting mittens.

[Kerry Perkins]

Thank you sirs. This is the real sky, no enhancements there. Ian, please bring the warmest clothing and hand protection you can find. It will be very cold but you will have the opportunity to capture some breeding behavior. We are counting on you!

[Jeannean Ryman]

Just a beautiful image Kerry. Nice!

[Kerry Perkins]

Thank you all for your comments! What I would like to convey with this image is the need to be aware of the conditions around you when you are shooting. I saw this situation developing with the wind and sun and the ducks flying from a pond to a more secluded location. I stopped my vehicle and jumped out to make some captures.

[Colin Gilyeat]

Kerry, wonderfull image and incredibly sharp.

Colin

[Sharon Hallowell]

Super pintail image! Nothing to dislike! Sharon

[Richard Mc Donald]

Evem the head turn matches the rest of the shot Kerry.

Richard