Northern Shoveler Drake in Flight

[Doug Brown]

It's been cooler than normal and a little rainy in New Mexico of late, and the weather's got me thinking about the upcoming fall and winter bird photography opportunities. Here's a Northern Shoveler Drake in nice breeding plumage taken in Southern California. I'm really looking forward to working with Dave Salem next March! It'll be our first workshop together.

Canon 1Dx, 600 mm II + 1.4x III, f/7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, manual exposure, hand held

[Marina Scarr]

Killer flight pose, Doug. This bird is just popping in that light against this BG. Lovely flight pose.

[David Salem]

Wow Doug, that's a smokin flight frame of this drake Shoveler! The flight angle and the light angle are perfect and the exposure and details couldnt be better. That BG color sets him off so nicely and I like the hint of trailing water. Very Nice. Looking forward to our workshop too!!

[Bill Dix]

Wonderful flight angle, detail, exposure. Great look against dark background. No nits, although I could imagine a version with just a little more room in front.

[Raybel Robles]

Superb in flight shot! Sharp, superb focus and background. I'm just like Bill, would like to see a version with a little more room in front.

[William Dickson]

Very nice Doug

[gail bisson]

You nailed this one Doug.
Exposure spot on
-light awesome
-IQ excellent
-an ever so slight head turn our way
-great BG
-tack sharp and flying towards us
I would just like a bit more room in front.
Gail

[Jonathan Ashton]

Absolute gem of a shot - spot on! Pose exposure focus details - superb.

[Mike Milicia]

Excellent in all respects ... BG makes this one special for me!

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

nice one, Doug! I love the detail in the nearest wing and the facial area! Great shot!

[shane shacaluga]

As above comments I also think that dark BG really brings out the best in this shot. Nice colours on the bird and good light

TFS

[Binu John]

Excellent flight shot as usual, Dough! You nailed the focus! Love the exposure and details and the subject really stands out against the dark background!

[arash_hazeghi]

A sweet duck shot is always a treat!

[Doug Brown]

Thank you all for taking the time to comment! I'll try a version with more room in front of the bird.