Hooded Merganser

[Jody Melanson]

Model = Canon EOS-1D Mark II N
Exposure Time = 1/3200"
F Number = F5.6
Exposure Program = Manual
ISO Speed Ratings = 400
Metering Mode = Spot
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 400mm
Color Space = sRGB
Exposure Mode = Manual exposure

I had the good fortune of being told about this Hooded Merganser Drake that thinks he is a Mallard Duck. As a result, he is very approachable. I went and found him in the morning, but saw I couldn't get close to the water on the morning side. So I went to another place and photographed other Ducks and a chance Short Eared Owl. In the afternoon, I went back and found the Hoodie again. I lay down on the waters edge with my head and lens almost in the water for this nice low angled image.

My nits are the two little drops of water on his right side, one above and one beside him. I should really clone them out.

[Jim Poor]

Super shot, but I keep waiting for an owl to come swooping down to get him :D

I agree on the water spots (they might look great in a large version?) but I find 3 behind and 4 in front of the bird.

[Steve Foss]

Great catch. The drops don't bother me at all. They are so tiny, and the eye is so immediately and irrevocably riveted to the bird itself that, the drops don't matter, IMO.

[Marko Matesic]

Incredible shot ...like everything about it

[David Hemmings]

drops, shmops, sweet freakin image:D

[Glenn Bartley]

Now thats how you expose a hoodie! Nicely captured dude.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Are those hot pixels? ;-) Yeah, I'd clone out those drops myself too. Was this right before or after a wing flap? Great image, magnificent control of exposure, and the drops on the Merganser's body add a nice toch.

[Stephen Stephen]

One of the most well exposed Hoodie images that I've seen. I love tack sharp details the action and the intensity of the eye.

[Josh Gahagan]

Great work Jody, the drops do not bother me at all.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I remember this one, still great. :) If anything, maybe a little bit more space on the bottom.

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Jody,

What a lovely image. The only thing I would do is to get him off center. Love the colors and details!

[Ed Prete]

Some excellent detail in this image. One of the best hooded merganser images I've seen. Well done, and well deserved.

[Eric Wikander]

Holy awesome shot! Man I wish I could get that close to the ones I have near by. I am afraid I would need some scuba gear and a housing for a shot like this locally. Fantastic exposure and a great shot.

[Jacqui Hendry]

What a handsome looking bird

great image :-)

Jacqui

[Del Cockroft]

This is a really beautiful image. Well worth you coming back in the afternoon and getting down and dirty. Your patience certainly paid off on this one.