I've never gotten a close shot of a Hoodie. Several pairs started visiting my local lake this past week, so a few days ago I was hunkered down along the lake shore where I had been since sunrise several hours earlier. Finally, a pair began drifting slowly in my direction. I waited patiently, whispering "Just a little closer". At that moment, a car drove up along an access road, and the occupant got out, slammed the car door, and walked across the field. "Hi. I just wondered what you have out there." "Well", I said, "I HAD a nice pair of Hooded Mergansers until you scared them off". So all I got was a shot of distant birds flying away from me. I think I may invest in a roll of yellow Crime Scene tape to mark a 50-yard perimeter. I'll try again. Next time I'll wish for 10 yards closer and a head turn in my direction.
Nice story Bill, and a good desperation shot. Similar thing happened to me a while back while photographing a duck and ducklings. There was a car parked some distance away directly behind the scene and the occupant (middle aged woman) got out and marched up to me demanding to know why I was taking photo's of her.
Well, this "desperation" shot is better than most of my photos Bill. Great action shot and a good story. Merganser is sharp and the splashes add to the dynamism. Well done!
Bill Sir:
Whatever it is,you still got a beautiful image of Hoodie with nice hairdo.
Love the colorscheme,lights,wing position, flashes of water and composition.
I have lived that story a few times, so discouraging!
They are great subjects though, tremendous personality with the drakes, lots of antics, so worth the effort.
This image will encourage you to do it again, with hopefully less interference
The water splash behind the bird is a bit distracting, and when possible I try to take the lead bird to avoid that ( I suspect he was moving before you had a chance to get on him, plus this one probably had a bit better angle for you.)
Thanks everyone. I guess I just wanted a bit of sympathy. I'll get him one of these days (the Hoodie, I mean). Randy, I agree about the splash of the leading bird. That was caused by the hen, who led the escape -- she was OOF since I had been focusing on the drake, so I cropped her out.
This image is working for me, Bill. No, it doesn't follow the conventional rules. However, it has a lot going for it and it would absolutely not be a delete for me. Even though it's running away, it works b/c of that trail behind it and the wings up position of the duck. Yes, you can do better, but this is a keeper b/c of the action.
Nice dynamic shot of a take off Bill. I read your story and concluded, no matter which part of the Globe, you live there always people you just described.
My answer to your question is: yes, I do hate that.
Cool image regardless. I like all the spalshes, low angle, and details on the drake. Flying parallel to you versus flying
away from your position would make a stronger image. Have you tried using a decoy or two, plus using MP3 calls?
I've heard and read that this can yield excellent results....
Don't You Just Hate It When That Happens.
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