Female Mallard

[Aidan Briggs]

Hi all,

Not sure if this works or not, but I coudn't resist capturing a few image of this Mallard in long grass. I know the grass in front of the bill and the light spots in the BG are distracting, but I still like this image.

400D, 100-400 at 400
1/320, f/5.6, ISO 200
Cropped from horizontal

[Don Thompson]

It might technically be better without the grass, but I think it shows a bit of environment and I like it too.

[James Salywoda]

I love your intentions with the shot Aidan it has a very nice feel to it as well as a nice comp. The blade of grass going through the bill is kind of a distraction.But I'm with you I like the shot....

[Tony Whitehead]

I like this, Aidan. Only niggle is the grass blade cutting across the bill. You could maybe selectively lighten the eye to accentuate the iris colour.