Wood Duck Wood

[Keith Carver]

This drake and two hens were scouting around for a suitable nesting hole, up in some dead trees. They were VERY picky. Fascinating to watch - maybe a video next time.

1DM3, 500 mm x 1.4TC, ISO 320, 2/3 stops below evaluative: f/5.6, 1/2000. PP: cropped 50% of full frame, removed some BG branches, USM 120/0.3/1 on bird and perch.

C&C appreciated.

[Laura Pipkin]

Very nicely done, Keith! Beautiful warm lighting on the subject, great pose and details. Love that blue! I might want to crop it just a bit tighter.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the calling pose and eye contact and would try to get more details in the blacks. I would also tone down the whites a bit. It looks as if you ran NR only in the large blue area.

[Dave Leroy]

Good for you to catch this one out in the open.
I like the composition and the pose.
Photo is nice and sharp.

[Stu Bowie]

I like the light, and well done on getting the open beak. Its good to see him on an open perch, as most we see are swimming.