Long-tailed Duck in Calm Water

[Grace Scalzo]

There are many of these beautiful ducks in Long Island waters this winter. I have lots of shots of them flying and in rough water, but have always wanted some nice closeups in calm water. Sunday afternoon's weather afforded soft light, very light winds, and I was able to create a few images that I've had in my head for quite a few winters.

Thank you for looking and for your comments. I read and appreciate them all.

1/1600, f8, iso1250
Canon 1dx, 600 f4 + 2.0tc + lowered rrs tripod, myself tucked in among some large rocks for less visiblity. (Although I really wasn't fooling the ducks.)

[Ian Wilson]

Gorgeous looking duck Grace and well captured. Nice low angle, good eye contact and tastefully composed - a lot to like. I had no idea that the tail feathers could be so long in proportion to the length of the body. Regards, Ian.

[John Robinson]

There certainly are some cracking shots of these around a the moment and his is another ! Beautiful birds . Maybe a little space on the left for the bird to go into would be nice,but no biggie. Well done.
John

[christopher galeski]

Beautiful image Grace,nice light,good detail,sharp,agree with John on space on the left,but still a beautiful as is.

[keith mitchell]

Grace must be a bit difficult to get the composition right with all that tail, beautiful bird and shot.

Keith.

[Arthur Morris]

Everything perfect. I especially love the bow wave.

[Bill Dix]

This is a beauty, Grace. Like you, this is a shot I have had in mind for some time. But at Barnegat where I've tried to get these guys, even when wedged in among the jetty rocks, one is usually looking down on them, and in choppy water. It all came together for you here, including great pose and exposure.

[annmpacheco]

This is lovely indeed. Light really made this duck "shine" with many details. Your persistence paid off, way to go!

[William Dickson]

Lovely image Grace. The low angle is perfect. Very nice indeed. Well done

[Richard Flack]

Stunning shot Grace, I really like the perspective and what a beautiful subject. The light and exposure looks awesome and I like the little wave in front.

[Karl Egressy]

Nice pose and beautiful water, Grace.

[gail bisson]

This is beautiful Grace.
The best part is the water color and the excellent exposure on the whites. The detail visible on the head in the white feathers is perfect.
No nits from "moi"!
Gail

[Aidan Briggs]

Great portrait. That long tail makes it tough to frame correctly and you did a great job. Exposure/sharpness spot on.

Well done!

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Over the top, pun intended, Grace. Congratulations on getting one of the shots you wanted. Like that you managed to get this Long-tailed Duck on the top of a rolling swell from shush a low point of view. Also like the tail up to see how long it can be. Super soft light, detail, water color, and composition.



Geoffrey

[Marina Scarr]

Lovely image on a difficult subject with that long tail. Your comp works really nicely and details are great. Love that little wave in front of the duck.

[WillieHall]

beautiful presention of an interesting, beautiful bird. We saw a female in our Ca county this fall for a first sighting. Inspiring to know you got it planning for a while!

[dankearl]

It looks painterly and mellow....
Almost a fine watercolor.....

[David Salem]

What a pretty frame Grace. I really like the water color and how blurred it is behind this handsome drake. The details and exposure look great and I love the long white covert feathers on his back and that long tail.
I would love to see one some day! Well done as always.

[Jim Crosswell]

Beautiful image Grace! I like the low angle, calm water, exposure, IQ and HA.

[Satish Ranadive]

Gorgeous image.

Regards,
Satish.

[Grace Scalzo]

Thank you everyone. David, I'll trade you a long-tailed duck for a cinnamon teal.