Common Merganser - "Slide on In"

[Jay Ing]

Wasn't in the prefect spot for the arrival of this Merg but he was close enough and my view unobstructed just enough to follow him through most of his coming in. I especially like his feet on the water and morning light - just wish his back wing were raised in parallel to the front but he was banking so one rudder had to be lowered.
Details: D850+Sigma 500, HH, 1/500, 5.6, ISO 500, Manual, C1P raw/PS CCC 2018 adjustments/Crop/NR/SS.

[Alex Becker]

Good pose and timing. I like the water starting to break. I like the two colored BG, but wish that the green band extended all the way across the top and there wasn't the middle yellow chunk. Obviously not a deal breaker though. I think I would clone out that second catchlight, I saw there was a bit of a discussion about it a couple posts back and I agree that it just makes things look a bit sharper. Looks like you've been getting some great stuff with your D850. Jealous! TFS

[arash_hazeghi]

pretty cool Lnading pose Joel, nice light and details. do you have the frame before this when both wings were stretched back like a parachute?

TFS

[Jay Ing]

pretty cool Lnading pose Joel, nice light and details. do you have the frame before this when both wings were stretched back like a parachute?

TFS

here are the two cropped but unedited frames just before - I took 7 frames total I think.

[John Whaley]

Nice landing pose and colors. I like the skidding feet across the calm water. Would be interested in what the included reflection would look like if available. Handheld @ 1/500 with the D850 is impressive. I don't shoot mine with the long lens hand held unless I have to and then at 1/2500+++.

[Jay Ing]

Nice landing pose and colors. I like the skidding feet across the calm water. Would be interested in what the included reflection would look like if available. Handheld @ 1/500 with the D850 is impressive. I don't shoot mine with the long lens hand held unless I have to and then at 1/2500+++.

Yeah, well that's funny right there. 1/500 would be impressive... lol
I wanted my ISO low so was using SS to compensate... no, not 500... add another "0" on that there number! :)

[William Dickson]

I like the OP best. I like the detail you captured on the bird, and the perfect moment for landing, as not to disturb the water too much.

Will