Mallard crash: "I got this, I am cool!"

[Randy Stout]

While out shooting with friends this AM, I had some fun watching them land on the ice. Sometimes very graceful, other times, not so much. This fellow barreled in, put down the flaps, extended the landing gear, and promptly crashed to one side.
He jumped up, looked around and went about his business as if nothing had happened. Gave me a chuckle.

D4 600VR f/5.6 1/2000 ISO 800 Wimberley/Gitzo

Post: Large crop (50%). Selective sharpening, cleaned up the BG a bit.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

I have a few more traditional poses that may show up, but I liked this one.

Snacks were served during the creation of this image.

Cheers

Randy

[stuart wanuck]

Very lovely image love the birds grace

[Gary Esman]

Love it. He does look like he is either trying to keep his cool or worried that we are laughing at him. Hate when that happens. No fixes from me. Great shot!

Gary.

[PhilCook]

hahahaha.....I guess ducks haven't heard about snow chains ......love the way he's still watching the camera and not working on his technique

[gail bisson]

The only thing hurt was his pride!
Excellent capture that brought a real smile to my face.
Looks awesome at 50% crop with great IQ.
I also like your choice of words re: snack. Sounds so much better than the "B" word!! I think I will use this term from now on!
Gail

[dankearl]

He looks pretty casual to me, what slip and fall?

[Grace Scalzo]

Quite funny, love the pose and the position of his left foot. We can all relate. Good job telling this story, Randy.

[Julie Brown]

That is an amusing position. Glad to know that he was OK.

[arash_hazeghi]

that's quite a display, cool!

[Robert Holguin]

Terrific shot.
Very interesting pose, nice details, very nice light, and great comp.
Well done.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, Ive been waiting for one of these landings from you. It certainly cant be easy coming in perfectly, would auto pilot work. I like this lots as its different from the norm, and you even captured a good HA. Those greens pop nicely from the ice BG.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone:

I appreciate your input. It is hard to look cool when you are crashing!

Cheers

Randy

[nick clayton]

I love this different image of a very familiar bird.