I like the banking pose, it shows both wings well. The whites on the face look a bit hot, perhaps back them down just a bit. Even a few points reduction in contrast would tame them I suspect.
Interesting DOF, with both wings pretty blurry and body and head pretty sharp.
At first I thought that there was a sharpening halo above the head and upper wing primaries, but it may well be the variation in background.
If, its just the background variation, I think the bird could stand another light pass of USM, esp. the eye.
I like the details and eye contact and agree on toning down the whites a bit and wish for a more even BG. Did you clone out something near the head and tip of near wing?
To the excellent commets above I would add that I like all of the new species of ducks that you have been posting here. There sure does look like some odd stuff going on....
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Hi Stuart,
I also see a halo but wonder whether it isn't something in the BG. I love the light on the bird and the detail on the belly. Beautiful flight shot and I like the use of DOF.
Best,
Nicki