Eider Drake, breeding colours

[Melvin Grey]

This portrait of a Common Eider drake was taken in small harbour in a fishing village in N England. Usually shy birds, at least in the UK they are, several pairs often frequented this harbour, feeding on some mussel beds, and had become much more tolerant to the human activity in the area. After feeding for a while they would haul out on to some rocks and rest and preen, where they could be approached by slowly inching your way closer on your butt and keeping a low profile. The breeding colours of the males are delicately superb and the colour in the BG was provided by reflections of moored boats.

Camera Canon 10D with 500mm f4IS lens and TC1.4 Exp: 1/180 @ f8 ISO 200

[Mark Schmitt]

Wow! Good to see the 10D is providing good results. What a breakthrough camera that was. Still have mine. This image is good. Managed to capture the delicate transitional colours in the plumage without sacrificining the details in the blacks. Well done. :-)

[Arthur Morris]

I love everything about this one, the bird, the colours, the light, and the BKGR. Most times it is the person pressing the shutter release who makes a great image, not the camera or the lens...

[Doug Brown]

Really well done Melvin! I like the words you chose to describe the plumage; 'delicately superb.'

[Daniel Cadieux]

Nice portrait! I can only agree with the posters above. Ain't it nice when some birds become more tolerant of human presence :-)

[Melvin Grey]

I love everything about this one, the bird, the colours, the light, and the BKGR. Most times it is the person pressing the shutter release who makes a great image, not the camera or the lens...

Thank you very much Artie, - the most sophisticated, all singing and dancing camera never produced a photograph if it was left on a table top! However, as you have probably realised from recent postings, I now own a Mk 111 with which you helped me get 'up to speed' with your excellent Mk111 user's guide.
Melvin

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for your kind words, and good luck with the MIII. I have three and love them. Just got a 50D today.

[Fabs Forns]

I am extremely jealous, never seen this species!!!! Good work!

[Glenn Price]

Love the color in the background, and the detail in the bill and feathers. Well done!

[James Salywoda]

Gorgeous image one I would love to have beautiful colors and detail.....