Long Tailed Duck Male in Flight

[Jim Fenton]

I had been attempting to photograph Harlequin ducks last Saturday up in Maine but as is typical, even with a perfect tide, they were too far out. The good news is that the bird flew by a moment before the sun dipped below the hills behind me.

Not the best angle on this male as I caught him out of the corner of my eye flying back but it's the best LTD male flight shot I have to date, so I will hold onto it until I can replace it.

I'll make believe that the slight turning angle makes it more dynamic :)

Nikon D300s, 600VR, TC17EII, ISO 500, f7.1, 1/800, CW metering, NearUniWB, -7EV applied.

Converted from RAW in NC, Cropped, shadows / highlights, selective color, slight noise reduction on BG, curves in CS5

[arash_hazeghi]

I love the wing position and light, well done. I have no issue with HA but the critical focus point is on the near wing leaving the head soft and there is some noise on the wings. TFS

[gail bisson]

Hi Jim,
I like the light and the comp but the soft head is a problem. As you said, keep this until a better one comes along!
Gail

[Robert Holguin]

Real nice shot. Great flight pose, love the light, and a shot I would be happy to have.
Well done.