Frozen Hooded Merganser

[Daniel Cadieux]

Taken last winter in temperatures in the -20s (without wind-chill). These guys are notoriously skittish out here, so when I found an overwintering one associating with a flock of Mallards very close to shore there was only one thing to do...get down low, stake it out, and hopes it swims by. It did! You can tell how cold it was by the frozen water beads stuck on its body and at the tip of its bill.

After this impromptu session (was not dressed for it) I sat shivering in my car for a long time before driving out with the heater at full blast...tears literally forming in my eyes from the pain of my fingers thawing out. A few valuable lessons learned here, but looking back it was worth it!:D

Canon Rebel XT + 100-400L @400mm, 1/250s, f/7.1, ISO400, +1 EC, natural overcast light, frozen handheld, ~75% full-frame.

[Steve Maxson]

Excellent image Daniel. I like the light, color, and detail. The ice on the feathers really makes this one special. Here in northern MN I can relate to -20 temps (it's going to get about that cold here tonight as a matter of fact - and here I thought spring was supposed to be coming). It will be good to see these guys again when they finally do get up here, but right now our lakes have close to 3 feet of ice that needs to melt.

[Gary Dumer]

Beautiful Shot Dan, The angle, Ice and Subject makes a great Image!!!

[john crookes]

Well worth the effort and a reminder to dress for success.

A little hot in the white breast feathers but i love the effect.

two years ago we had one here that hung out with the mallards and even would come in to be fed with them

John

[Wayne Wood]

I remember that day well Daniel , I can't remember ever being that cold , love this shot Dan , especially the frozen droplets of water

[Dave Phillips]

one word Daniel....."stunning"
I can "feel" this one

[Daniel Cadieux]

I remember that day well Daniel , I can't remember ever being that cold , love this shot Dan , especially the frozen droplets of water

Wayne, if I remember correctly you were also tearing up from the thawing pain!!:D

[David Hemmings]

This is great Daniel, problem is, it makes me feel cold:)

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

Brrrr... not really friendly conditions :D
Very nice job Daniel. Love the droplets.
Szimi

[Stu Bowie]

Now thats dedication to withstand -20 degs. In South Africa, if we get - 7 degs, we lucky. This image is outstanding. I like the contrast in colours between the subject and the BG. This is also so sharp, and just love the frozen droplets. Congrats on your hard earned shot.