I found this guy yesterday morning floating around by himself in the wetlands and liked his looks, but was puzzled at his ID. I inquired and was told it was "a drake mallard in eclipse plumage." Then, not being a seasoned and knowledgeable birder, I had to look that up, and now I'm an expert on the subject (I wish . . .). I made very few adjustments to this image.
Hi Wendell - Good HA and eye contact and a strong enough reflection to include - IMHO.
Agree with Desmond a touch of sharpening to the eye.
Good show :)
In the UK, there was a theory a looooooooong time ago, that male Mallards 'went away' for a while because at a certain time of year very few could be seen, when in fact there were in eclipse and looked just like female Mallards :) I only have to see a Mallard and it brightens my day because I find their mannerisms so funny :)
Back to the photo... Nice reflection HA and eye contact and lovely water colour, agree with the sharpening.
Looks like you have been busy! Nice Mallard with a sharp reflection, too! Much to like. Looks like you managed to get your sensor clean. Not so difficult, was it!
I have been visiting my Avocets again and will post one of the shots when I get time.
Agree with everybody else, very nice picture. I like the image as presented, but I do wonder if a lower angle might have made for an even better photo. Just an thought!
Eclipse plumage (Mallard)
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