Blue-winged Teal

[Kirk Benson]

I am so fortunate to live near a Wildlife Sanctuary where so many beautiful duck species spend their winter months.
This was taken last January on a warm and sunny morning, it's a fantastic place for DIF opportunities.
Blue-winged Teals are fairly limited in numbers here, so I was thrilled to get this Drake on the wing... the BG is the vegetation across the pond.

D800 | 300 f/4 AF-S D w TC-14E II ~ 420mm 1/4000s f/6.3 ISO 400 Handheld

All C&C are greatly encouraged and most appreciated. Thanks for looking at what I love to do.

[Raybel Robles]

Very nice image, love the BG colors and the nice down stroke wings. I would just sharpen the bird a bit more.

[Bill Dix]

Terrific flight shot with just the right head turn and a lovely background. Yes to a little more sharpening, especially on the head. Nicely done.

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the BG and the excellent light. Near wing position is great but I wish the far wing was lower. The shoulder and wing feathers look a bit soft/lacking in detail, maybe due to excessive NR or too much cropping.

TFS

[Ivan Sjögren]

Very nice flight shot with most elements spot on. I think the IQ could have been better, there aren't much detail on the bird. It might be improved with some sharpening or more carefull work on the NR in Photoshop. Eitherway I love the bg, nice wing position and head turn

[David Salem]

What a killer frame Kirk! I love the pose and the perfect HA he is giving you. Great look at those colorful speculums and the exposure looks spot on. It does look soft as posted but I think a nother round of sharpening will bring this frame to its full potential. Love those green trees at the pond. It's all I shot for anymore. Well done.

[Kirk Benson]

Thanks so much for the feedback guys, most appreciated. I've been guilty of over-sharpening in the past, which has caused me to be wary of it. There was no NR applied to the BWT, it's about a 50% crop which isn't ideal. I will add some more sharpening and repost. Thanks again guys. :-)

[gail bisson]

This image is very nice. Once you sharpen this up it will be lovely!
Gail