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Thread: Flying Steamer-Duck (Chile)

  1. #1
    BPN Member Dorian Anderson's Avatar
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    Default Flying Steamer-Duck (Chile)

    Though this heavy-bodied bird can fly, it more often escapes danger by thrashing through the water, a behavior suggesting the steam-powered paddle boats for which this species is named. With those weird orange growths on the front edge of the wing, it's not surprising that there birds aren't efficient flyers. Interestingly, the closely related Flightless Steamer-Duck -- as the name suggests -- can't fly at all. While both species are wary, the Flightless variety is particularly so. I tried approaching multiple birds of both species, but this was the only one who tolerated me at a viable shooting distance.

    Punta Arenas, Chile
    Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS R5
    1/1600 at f/5.6, ISO 800

    Name:  flying steamer duck 123021.jpg
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    That is a cool bird! I had never even heard of this species! I like the soft light and those bright yellow feet! I also like the mussels on the rock. It really shows the environment these ducks live in.

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Interesting introduction, I suspect those orange bits are exposed areas where feathers are worn out. I like the image it is unusual in terms of composition and subject. Colours and details look very good indeed.

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan Ashton View Post
    , I suspect those orange bits are exposed areas where feathers are worn out.
    No Jon ... these are their weapons !!! They can hit you hard and badly with a wing flap

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Dorian ... looks good , love the variety you posting and I bet you saw even more !!!
    Subject looks very nice in terms of tones and color ....
    I am 50/50 on the chosen crop , I would prefer the bird a bit off center , just my take .
    The muzzly perch is really cool .

    TFS Andreas

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