This was one of those quick "grab shots" that sometimes happens. I was slowly driving around our local wastewater treatment facility with the lens on a beanbag and pointing out the window. As I moved along a female Bufflehead cames out of some vegetation along the bank under me and started swimming away quickly. I was able to get the engine turned off and get a few shots befor ethe bird got too far out. Anyway, considering the circumstances it worked out fairly well. I realize a lower angle would be better, but it just could not be done at the time due to the bird moving away as well as the steep vertical bank down to some water that I would not like to get into. Buffleheads winter here and a few linger into the spring before heading north.
Canon EOS 1D Mark III
EF 600mm F/4 L IS and 2X TC
1/500 sec @f/8.0
Nice sharpness and a good head turn. I'm OK with the angle too. Nice detail in the darker feathers. The white spot on the head looks hot on my monitor, but this one of those birds for which exposures are difficult.
Swimming Bufflehead
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