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Thread: Torrent Duck (Ecuador)

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    Default Torrent Duck (Ecuador)

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    The Torrent Duck was on top of my "most wanted" list down here. To me they are just one of the absolute coolest duck species! They live in these insane rushing rivers and fearlessly plunge themmselves into the water after their prey (small fish). Last week I headed up to the cold and soggy highlands and spent 3 full days to try to track one down. Here in Ecuador they are actually kind of difficult to find and are very shy. So I was very happy to come across this fella and get a few images to take home.

    Camera Model: Canon EOS 50D
    Shutter speed: 1/200 sec
    Aperture: 9
    Exposure compensation: +1/3
    ISO: 100
    Focal length: 500mm + 1.4x

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Glen:

    A very nice environmental portrait, I really tells the story! I like the composition, the shutter speed really give a sense of the fast water, good exposure, angle in frame. The only minor thing I would consider doing is bringing down the brightness of the rock just a bit, so it doesn't over power the bird.

    Thanks for your hard work and sharing!

    Randy

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    I agree Glenn- the coolest duck in the world. I've never seen one but have been within their range several times (e.g., Torres del Paine). You must have been thrilled to find this male. The image portrays the subject embedded in its habitat extremely well- the two are inseparable. I like the composition which implies movement of the bird into the water and towards as it rushed down.

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    Lifetime Member Doug Brown's Avatar
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    Hey Glen! You did a great job of capturing the raging waters, and I love the composition. I'd like to see this at 1024 pixels to help bring out more detail in the duck. As presented, I'd try to bring out the eye a little. Thanks for sharing this cool species with us, and congrats on finding him!
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    Stunning! Great light, ambient, pose, comp, colors and detail! Big congratulations!

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    Axel Hildebrandt
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    Great find of this beautiful bird and I also like the composition. I agree that a bigger version would do it more justice. Why did you select ISO 100?

  7. #7
    DanWalters
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    Really like the comp and the rushing water behind the bird. Like how you managed to separate the subject from the background as well.

  8. #8
    Gayle Clement
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    That is a great duck, Glenn. Your photo does a good job of showing the origin of their name. Excellent composition.

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    Superb job Glenn whith this amazing species. As you pointed out, they live on a very hard habitat that can be found in any duck species. It is amazing to see the tiny ducklings swiminig in those rambling waters with no problems. I think that you can be more than happy with this image. Very good exposure and fantastic composition with lots of room to show its habitat.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Axel Hildebrandt View Post
    Great find of this beautiful bird and I also like the composition. I agree that a bigger version would do it more justice. Why did you select ISO 100?
    I'm guessing the duck was as still as could be and it was to try and get "some" water motion. Thats my theory anyways. Great image and story, Glenn. :)

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    You got it Mike!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Glenn Bartley View Post
    You got it Mike!
    Whew! I advance to the bonus round now. :D;)

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    The movement of the water tells the story...
    Lovely looking duck. It sounds like you are having lots of fun down there, that's great.

  14. #14
    Judd Patterson
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    Fantastic image, Glen! The water is alive and shows this bird in its habitat really well. They are such an amazing species, and your image is well executed all around.

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