First year Wood Duck

[dankearl]

Male in flight.
Taken this morning at Crystal Springs Garden (my usual pond), Portland Oregon.
(A plug for a great public/private wildlife garden if you are in the area).
The adults left a couple months ago and the first year males are coming
into their own.
The pupil is odd on this duck, not a photo flaw.
D500, 500pf, f5.6, 1/2000, iso1400
DSC_9858bp5.jpg

[Dorian Anderson]

The head angle and downstroke are perfect, but the bird is quite fuzzy (i.e. lacks sharpness/detail). Though the bird is above the foliage, it is starting to overwhelm the subject. These guys are super fast and a real flight challenge.

[John Mack]

I like the pose. This one doesn't look as sharp as the others you have posted.

[Arthur Morris]

Agree on the head. being quite soft ... Love the dorsal surface of the near-wing.

with love, artie