Mandarin Ducks

[Joseph Przybyla]

I captured this drake and hen Mandarin ducks at Lake Mirror in the center of Lakeland, Florida. Comments and critique welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

Nikon D7000
Nikon 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6 VR AF shot at 240mm (360mm FFE)
1/400 F/11 ISO 250 -1 EV

[Karl Egressy]

Great to see both in the same frame, Joe.
Excellent poses and colors in the male.

[Marina Scarr]

I think you did a great job getting both in the frame and sharp. Normally, I'd like to see a lower shooting angle, but I find this is working for me. Well done.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Joseph, great seeing the difference in colours between the two sexes, and good DOF on both ducks. The colours of the male really stand out.

[Holger Leyrer]

Nice image. Most images of Mandarin Ducks show the colorful male. I like it that you show the pretty hen. Well done, Joseph.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Very nice colours, and lots of beautiful fine detail. Stopping down to f/11 was a good call as both individuals are sharp. The higher vantage point is OK but I do wish they were swimming towards us, and I'd have preferred some separation between the female's bill and male's wingtip.