Steller's Eider

[Judd Patterson]

Steller's Eider
Canon 7D, 500mm f/4 and 1.4x TC
1/1000, f/8, ISO 400

An image from the very last morning of the Barrow workshop. I need to learn more about that black spot in the body plumage of the bird. It sure looks like a second eye, and it's on a part of the body that doesn't go underwater when they feed. Hmmm...that could be the evolutionary reason for that plumage characteristic in this relatively small bodied duck.

[Harold Davis]

hey, judd. that reminds me of the redfish with the spots on the tail. does serve a very important purpose!!

your eider looks great. i like the pose and the creamy bg. i might clean up the specular highlights on the belly?

[Keith Carver]

Like this raised breast shot, Judd, reminds me of loon behavior. Good detail, head angle and BG, would wish only for a bit of catchlight. TFS!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Not only a very cool species to see but an excellent image, too. I like the angle, pose and BG. The whites on the wings could go a tad darker for my taste.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

What a beauty Judd and love the pose , low angle and killer BG. Awesome !!!

[Arthur Morris]

A beautiful pose and a great head angle. Lovely light and BKGR. Love the view of the chin.

[caseyargall]

Great shot, love how part of the bird kinda matches the BG, nice pose too.

[arash_hazeghi]

very beautiful image, love the water drops and pose, TFS

[christopher galeski]

nice image Judd,like the water droplets,HA,and nice pose.thanks.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Just stunning, natural moment (pose), light, low angle, BG, colors, species.. all is amazing! Congratulaitons!

[Hendri Venter]

I like the pose and flying drops adds. Good low angle and a very nice BG too. Well done Judd.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Judd, this 45-degrees orientation works the best for wing flaps IMO. stunning bird. Loved the comp, low angle and light. Thx for sharing. Barrow sure rocked for everyone, it looks like.