Lesser Scaup drake

[Bill Dix]

When we left home in early light, it looked like it would be a good day: thin clouds and a light easterly breeze, perfect for some waterfowl flight shots. Halfway to the shore we ran under a heavy marine cloud layer, and by the time we got to our destination it was cold, windy and dark. And very few birds flying around. But I did spot a group of Lesser Scaup on the pond, and tucked myself down as low as the bank permitted, waiting for them to drift toward me. I picked out one drake that was bathing and diving, and sensed that a wing flap was forthcoming. He cooperated. It was one of the few shots I got before we decided to bail out. Some PP work managed to bring out at least a hint of the coloration on his head.

D7200, 1.4 TC, ISO 1600, 1/2500 @ f/6.3 manual.

[John Robinson]

Hi Bill
Nice mid flap shot. Almost monochrome in fact.. Really like the little alternate patterns on the shoulders. I wonder if the whole shot could stand a little darkening ?- maybe not- would loose the effect.
Cheers
John

[arash_hazeghi]

nice dynamic pose, you did well in dull light. I might crop him tighter. there is some noise in the head area

TFS

[Satish Ranadive]

Magnificent image, Bill Sir.
Like the wing flap with trail of water droplets and beautiful eye.


Regards,
Satish.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Good one, Bill. I think the overcast lent itself nicely for this particular bird. Like the subtle color on the head and of course that eye. Great flap and like all the water droplets.


Geoffrey

[David Salem]

I agree the overcast conditions made for a pretty nice capture of this Drake doing a wing flap. The exposure and details look good but I do see just a little noise in the head. Easy fix. Well done Bill