Sunset Wood Duck Drake (Aix sponsa), Yellowstone County, Montana.

[steve torna]

Aix sponsa is one of only two species within the genus Aix; the other species is Aix galericulata (Mandarin duck). Linnaeus recognized the similarities between these two crested and colorful ducks and subsequently named the wood duck based on its relationship to the Mandarin duck. Sponsa is Latin for betrothed and in traditional China, Mandarin ducks were offered as wedding gifts as a sign of fidelity. Aix is from the Greek roughly translating to goose - like water bird.In effect, Aix sponsa translates to the goose-like water fowl that is similarto a Mandarin Duck.
Canon 1D iv, 500mm f/4 L IS, ISO 640, 1/1600 second @ f 7.1,manual mode, tripod.
Minimal processing in LR 5, no color adjustments, decrease shadows and highlights, +5 nr and sharpen.

[Randy Stout]

Steve:

Thanks for the bird name etymology lesson!

Nice warm light, good head position with crest up, complimentary colors in water.

Nice job on the exposure, whites well controlled in general. I struggle with the white bill patch at times.

Look forward to more photos, and lessons!

Cheers

Randy

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image.Beautiful colors, details ,Backdrop and very nice composition.


Regards,
Satish.

[Marina Scarr]

What a lovely image of this wood drake!! I like that you can tell it was photographed at sunset. The colors are so rich, there are reflections on the side of the bird and I like the slightly cocked head.

[Karl Egressy]

Ideal position with the crest up and the right head turn. Nice light as well.

[steve torna]

Positive feedback from accomplished photographers is very encouraging for me. I am both pleased and grateful that you enjoyed my image. Thank you - steve