Bufflehead close up.

[dankearl]

First time in months I have put on a big lens and photographed birds in my area.
Taken today, Hope you all in the states are enjoying Thanksgiving.
Winter ducks are back, here is a Male Bufflehead pushing a nice bow wake, not much DOF, this is almost full frame.

f7.1, 1/2500, iso640, 600mm (300 w/ 2x), D800, HH

002_1136bp.jpg

[Jim Crosswell]

Excellent image Dan! I like the wave, low angle, IQ, sharpness, colours, BG and water drops on the head. I would move the duck to the left if you have it. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Marina Scarr]

Wow, Dan, this image is killer. I agree on moving the bird to the left. It won't hurt your wave at all. It would help the comp b/c the bird is looking to the right. I love the water droplets and the amazing colors. Your whites are perfect. The only thing I wish is that it didn't have a grass or hair on its bill. Great job getting nice and low too!!!

[Bonnie Block]

Wow, Dan! One sharp image. Love the bow wake. agree with the others about moving to the left. Yes, glad the birds are back here!

[gail bisson]

Ooo...this is lovely.
The feather detail is awesome and the iridescence is well shown.
Your POV is excellent. Tack sharp.
I would clone out the hair on the bill.
I really like the necklace (water reflection) ,
Gail

[Daniel Cadieux]

Wow that bow wake looks clear and fresh. Awesome job with the exposure and details. Great low angle too. Agree with comp suggestions.

[Holger Leyrer]

Fantastic image. The clear wave, the color and details are great.

[Karl Egressy]

One of the closest and nicest Bufflehead portrait I have seen for a long while, Dan.

[Dave Johnson]

Beautiful image Dan. That crystal clear bow wave rocks! Agree with placing the bird closer to the left and would try a looser crop if this was mine (and I wish it was). Thanks very much for sharing.

[Henry Domke]

Wonderful, but I agree with Marina about fixing the fiber around the bill. It's a bit distracting on an otherwise beautiful image.

[Grace Scalzo]

Hi Dan, I've been away from the forum for the holiday, saw this on my ipad and wanted to look on my computer now that I am home. Totally sweet image, from the irredescent colors of the head to the droplets to the bow wake. I am the odd one out on this, but I even like the fiber on the bill as that tells the story of what he has been doing. I think that a less centered composition would be terrific, but as this is nearly full frame, I suspect not an option, and in this case, not a deal breaker for me at all.

[David Salem]

Just got back from vacation too and scrolled down to see whats new. This is Great Dan! Love everything about it from the crystal wake to the hair on the bill. Cant say enough. One of your best posts and a real winner in my book.