I have never been able to approach Blue-winged Teals within 50 yards in the past. This all changed recently when a small flock of these have been stationed at a local pond, and allowing close approach. Since the males are in eclipse plumage I am sure many unsuspecting people walked by thinking they were just some other female Mallards. I am not sure if the individual photographed here is male or female...
The small size, dark bill, and eye arcs gave them away...but no other trait confirmed their identity as much as their mostly hidden beautiful baby-blue wing patches - and with lots of patience I was rewarded with a perfectly positioned wingstretch showcasing this :-)
Nice peaceful picture. One way to tell the difference between drake and hen bluewings at this time of year is the white patch below the blue shoulder. Adult drakes show full white like the one you photographed. Hens have a much more subdued and almost dirty white feathers. Virtually regular hen feathers outlined in white. Look at the flock by your house next time and see if you can spot the differences. Hope this helps.
Sweet pose, Daniel. It really shows off the beautiful blue colors. Personally, I'd trim a smidge off the bottom and then quick mask out what remains of the leg reflection. Maybe because the orange is bright and vertical, but my eye tends to drift down at that spot.
Lovely, lovely, lovely. And yes, a very difficult subject. Your choice of perspective here was perfect, especially the height as the BKGR reeds are perfectly placed above the bird.
You might wish to Patch Tool out the white feather (???) on the algae just inside the left frame-edge. All in all, fabulous.
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Showing some blue.
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