Spectacled Eider Drake in Tundra Pond - 6,000+ Posts

[Grace Scalzo]

Well, I travelled to Barrow, Alaska way back in June and am finally getting around to looking at and editing some shots. Truly a great place for the high arctic specialties, although I would not describe it as an easy trip physically (walking on the tundra is like walking on a giant sponge), mentally (Imagine 24 hours of daylight and extreme sleep deprivation) to say nothing of the cost. Despite trying to economize where I could, everything up there costs a bundle. That said, I do hope to return someday as it is such an interesting place.

1/800, f 5.6, iso800
Canon 1dx, 600f4+ 1.4tc, lowered tripod flat on belly.

[Grace Scalzo]

I just noticed that I passed 6,000 posts. What a ride. Something new to learn here nearly each and every day and I thank you all for your help.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the low angle, open beak, HA, IQ and composition. I tried a version with 9 points of black added to the neutrals in selective colours and liked the result. Congratulations on your 6K milestone and a beautiful image Grace!

[Grace Scalzo]

Jim, what an excellent suggestion....thank you! I thought that this looked washed out and you knew exactly how to fix it.

[Marina Scarr]

First of all, huge congratulations on your 6K milestone. You have made so many contributions to BPN, and we have learned so much from your keen eye, attention to detail and the artistic quality of your photos. Don't stop sharing!

Love this image. The duck is so powerful and colorful that the vegetation doesn't really detract (although there may be some naysayers out there.) It took a while for me to see the difference in the RP, but it is an improvement on an already lovely image.

[adrian dancy]

I don't envy you walking around on Tundra. However I'm glad you did because you ended up with a cracking image. Repost looks better. The vegetation is not all out of place nor is it distracting. Well done!

[keith mitchell]

Certainly worth all the effort and cost Grace, the OP does very well for me, that is one magnificent looking duck.Congrats on your 6K.

Keith.

[John Robinson]

Repost better Grace. Great looking duck and the vegetation makes this shot for me.
Nice one.
John

[gail bisson]

I love this Grace.
Beautiful details on the eider and the repost has that bit of needed "pop". Great to see the open bill, perfect HA nd the low POV.
Love the colors. I really like the water droplet on the cheek.
Image is lovely as is, but I could also see a version with the long diagonal reed on RHS dodged a bit or cloned out. I think the rest of the vegetation is perfect and frames the eider very well.
Gail

[Ross Taylor]

Hi Grace,

6000 contributions? We are very lucky to have you here. Thank-you :)

This is an absolutely wonderful image in my eyes. The repost has better contrast, and the colors really pop on the bill.

What I like the most about the shot is the environment. The blue-gray tones, and especially the dark blades of vegetation.

TFS
Ross

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Grace - Congrats on 6000 posts! Even though I don't always hang out in Avian, I have learned a lot from your posts. The open beak and subtle layering of color here take this up a notch for me. Nice low pov and the rp is an improvement. Btw I agree with you about the walking on tundra, you described it perfectly.

Here's to the next 6000 posts.

TFS,
Rachel

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Grace, big congrats on your 6000th posts, and thanks a bunch for all your contribution to the site. What an incredible looking Duck, and you have captured this at the perfect low angle. Overall well exposed, and I do like the variety of colours on this species. The surrounding foliage adds to the image nicely, and I wouldnt remove a blade.

[Bill Dix]

Spectacular bird (that I've never seen); and spectacular image of him. Great low POV, HA, exposure. Open beak is a killer. Repost is an improvement. I was about to say it has just the right amount of vegetation in the water for context, but after seeing Gail's suggestion I think that's worth consideration (unless you've done no other cloning and want to send this to Audubon).

Congratulations on the milestone. Thank you for all of your artistic images over these years, and for your spot-on critique.

[William Dickson]

I agree with everything said, it is all positives, for such a good image. Nice work.

Well done Grace, keep them coming

Will

[Karl Egressy]

Spectacular image to celebrate you six thousand with, Grace.

[Grace Scalzo]

Thanks Friends, for your comments and suggestions on this image and my others. There is an atmosphere here on this forum that I do appreciate, one where we each learn and grow from each other. I am inspired every time that I sign in. As for that pesky diagonal vegetation, it doesn't bother me, but lightening it up surely wouldn't hurt. Thanks again.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Remarkable looking Eider. As tough as it must have been traipsing over the tundra, this image is an amazing capture. Love the open beak, nice low angle, and IQ.

I would also like to thank you for your many accurate critiques. A huge congratulations on the 6000+

Geoffrey

[Daniel Cadieux]

First of all, huge congratulations on your 6K milestone. You have made so many contributions to BPN, and we have learned so much from your keen eye, attention to detail and the artistic quality of your photos. Don't stop sharing!

^^THIS!

Superb image all around with a great low angle and nice details on the wet plumage. Open bill a nice bonus (yawning or vocalizing?). I agree the repost offers up a bit more appealing punch. Nicely done :-)

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Killer sweet image, Grace. +1 to all the positives above; I don't have to repeat them.
Congrats on the 6K. I always look forward to your images and your insightful comments - many thanks!

[David Salem]

Congrats on the milestone Grace. I am happy to have met you and to have you as a friend. Your contributions to this site are always on point and your images speak volumes about your dedication to your art.
The image looks fantastic and I love the species and the open bill. Looks like he is laughing. I think the blacks added to the image and finished it off well. Talk to you soon