American Wigeon Drake flying low

[Sidharth Kodikal]

I spent a few days in Southern California over the Christmas break.
A couple days in the Huntington Beach area photographing water fowl and then an excellent day with Dave Salem shooting raptors (thanks Dave!)

This is a wigeon in early morning light from Bolsa Chica. As much as I liked the water color, I do wish the bird was more eye level.

Canon 1D4, 700mm
1/3200, f6.3, iso 500 (the light in SoCal is just awesome!)
Manual, HH

All comments appreciated.
Thanks.

[Doug Brown]

Looks like a shot from the channel at Bolsa, and a very good one at that. I like the shooting angle, and the sharpness is impressive. The full downstroke of the wing is perfect. Great flight shot!

[David Salem]

What a awesome and unique Widgeon shot Sidharth. The shooting angle, the wing position and the complementary water color are beautiful. The techs and detail are right on the money. Very nice capture.
Glad you had a good time and it was nice meeting you and your wife.

[arash_hazeghi]

excellent light, pose, sharpness and details. well done Sidharth

[dankearl]

Killer shot, Sid!
I like the angle of view and the wings and reflection are superb.

[Frank Schauf]

Great timing, great action.

[gail bisson]

Hi Sid,
This is beautiful.
I like the IQ and the full down position of the wings. Love the water as well.
Is that a water bubble and trailing water by the feet?
Gail

[christopher galeski]

nice image,great wing position,love the color and ripples in the water,good IQ.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I'm really digging the shooting angle you have too. Excellent wing position, sharpeness...and the water texture and colour is quite something! It may be only an illusion, but I get eh feeling the image may need a tad CCW rotation.

[John Robinson]

Great image Sidharth. Excellent light and IQ as mentioned. I have to say (don't shout at me, that I find the wing reflection a bit off putting. My eye has started going to it every time I look at the image. Just my personal quirk !! every one else will love it.
Cheers
John

[Bill Dix]

Terrific flight shot, Sidharth. Love the downwing position, flight angle, water texture. It has an interestingly almost monochromatic feeling to it -- I can't decide whether I like that aspect, or wish for some more color. In any event, it's very nicely done.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

I really like this one. Nice light and great detail. the water pattern and color is cool too. I too wonder what is at the rear near the feet?

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Thank you all for viewing and commenting. I appreciate it.

Gail, Cheryl, yes it's a bubble.

I have to say (don't shout at me, that I find the wing reflection a bit off putting. My eye has started going to it every time I look at the image. Just my personal quirk !!

No worries, John. We all have our likes and dislikes. You don't like reflections or backgrounds without details - noted.