This Mandarin pair was taken at the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy. It was shot at ISO 200, Nikon D200 with 300mm f2.8 @ 1/1250. Matrix Metering. What I wouldn't have given for just a little fill on the hen.
I have had the time to observe their behavior and noticed the preening after every short walk the drake took. So, as he walked for this final time and came back, I caught this shot.
I think it shows real "personality". Can you feel the love?
Last edited by Anthony Healy; 04-29-2008 at 03:44 PM.
This shows off the male in particular really well. The lighting is beautiful- not too harsh but just enough to give some punch. Female is slightly blurred but I think that's OK here. For the information of all, Manderins are Asian ducks introduced into many places. They are close relatives of our (North America) Wood Duck.
Anthony
A very poignant moment and I like that. Well done spending time observing your subjects and using that to predict a behavior. Even though I like the image, I think that I'd rather have some different lighting. I'm not sure that I like the female in partial shade. I think they are the most beautiful of all the ducks....and certainly worthy of more time with them.
I like that you waited to catch specific behavior to image. Time well spent in order to get a specific look to document. It is a tad dark but still nice work. Yes it has a lot of emotion. I like it for that reason mainly.
Courting Mandarins
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