Common Merganser Close-Up

[Danny J Brown]

Another example of how close you can get to ducks in Missouri if you are willing to camo up and be waiting for them before daylight. This one was on the Mississippi River along the Upper Mississippi Conservation Area. Thanks!

Canon 1D Mark IV; Canon 500/4 + 1.4 TC; 1/1250; f/5.6; +2/3 EV; ISO 200; Gitzo GT3530LS w/Wimberley II all splayed over my lap as I sat on the ground on the tip of a point on the river. Gear was covered with cut-leaf camouflage.

[Grace Scalzo]

Real unique image that you've created here Danny...sounds like you put in some good effort in getting it. It looks like her pre-dive pose. The fine detail in her bill is something not often seen and the water droplets are a great addition. While the two catchlights are natural (sun and reflection), I think I prefer only one. The only other thing I'd try for is to coax a little more detail out of her neck. (Might have been lost in compression.) All in all, a treat to my eyes, thanks for sharing it.

[Jeff Dyck]

Gorgeous light and outstanding details Danny - I like this a lot! Excellent comments by Grace - I'd echo the suggestion on the multiple catchlights.

[Steve Canuel]

Hey Danny,
Neat shot. Love the curve of the neck and the rich, reddish-brown color of the head. Also like the contrast between what looks to be a speedy, zooming, straight ahead pose and the relatively small ripples coming off the chest. I imagine she was just gently cruising along.

[denise ippolito]

Danny, I like the composition and I also agree w/ Grace's comments. Nicely done. I love that calm water.

[Ed Cordes]

Super detail. Thanks for reminding us all about using camo and how much it can help.

[Tom Rambaut]

Cool looking bird - Does this duck have teeth? It appears so.

The only thing I can think of is a bit more room to the right.

[Danny J Brown]

Cool looking bird - Does this duck have teeth? It appears so.

The only thing I can think of is a bit more room to the right.

Hi Tom,

The merganser has a serrated bill to aid in catching fish.

[Danny J Brown]

Real unique image that you've created here Danny...sounds like you put in some good effort in getting it. It looks like her pre-dive pose. The fine detail in her bill is something not often seen and the water droplets are a great addition. While the two catchlights are natural (sun and reflection), I think I prefer only one. The only other thing I'd try for is to coax a little more detail out of her neck. (Might have been lost in compression.) All in all, a treat to my eyes, thanks for sharing it.

Hi Grace,

Thanks for your positive and constructive comments. I think you are right about the compression-lost neck detail. Regarding catch lights, my rule is to go with one if there is one and two if there are two.

[arash_hazeghi]

very cool, love the details and soft light!

[Kiran Poonacha]

very beautifully done Danny Bhai, loved the details and the angle works well...

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Danny, this is awesome. We hardly ever see such close-ups of this species. Loved the water and of course the details and light. Water droplets are ncie touch. I see some sharpening halo around the bill.

[Pieter de Waal]

Unique image Danny with a great animated pose and detail. Colours, light and water are awesome.

[James Salywoda]

Awesome Danny! I like the head position captured on this Merganser as the close up shows the serrated beak well on these fish eaters. Excellent Portrait

[Danny J Brown]

Thanks to all; your comments are appreciated.

DB

[Gabi Sandu]

Superb shot. Great details, I like the pose and the low angle. Thanks for sharing it.

[Arthur Morris]

Yes to fabulous. Clean, tight, dramatic with the forward lean, killer light and colors, and that amazing blue water. Perfect with the head and neck angled slightly towards you.

[RakeshDhareshwar]

Unique close up image . Difficult to conver action with close up images and you have achieved it beautifully here !!

[Troy Lim]

Danny,,,amazing shot...wow