When I was out with Robert Amoruso last weekend we stumbled across this Hooded Merganser. I must say I was quite taken with this bird as I have never seen one before. He was very co-opertive and I got many images of him, this being my favorite. Nikon D3, 200-400 Nikon zoom lens with 1.7 extender giving an efective 560mm. Shot at f/10 @ 1/400 +1, apeture priority, pattern meter mode. High overcast sky. All comments desired.
These guys are VERY skittish around here, I would have been thrilled to have this opportunity! Great bird and it looks quite relaxed with its crest down. Some CCW rotation would be good. There is some funky stuff happening along the edges of the reeds, and the eye seems overly bright?
Hi Fabs
I think I was at f/10 because I am still too stupid to shoot it right. I agree that wide open would have been better and yes we were at Viera Wetlands.
Mac
HI Wheeler, Lovely composition of this attractive Merganser. The F10 is not all that bad as it clearly shows the bird's habitat - I am all for habitat images - well done!!