Not a Bufflehead

[Dan Busby]

I set out the other morning to try for some Bufflehead flight shots. But they didn't get the memo and were happily defying my pursuit by just floating offshore too far out. So plan B was to get any waterfowl flight shots that arose. I thought this one was worth keeping - even though it's "only a Mallard" (seemed to be the only duck that was flying) I like the lighting and smile on the birds' face and it may be the best Mallard flight shot I have. Removed two water drops trailing behind the bird, 10% crop from left, Ps levels, curves, sharpening. Linear burn on two bright spots on leading edge of bird's right wing. All C&C welcome and appreciated.
Canon Mark IV, 500mm f/4L +1.4x, ISO:800, f/6.3@1/2500, Manual, AI Servo AF, evaluative, Gitzo 3530LS, leveling head, Jobu HDII gimbal

[Melissa Groo]

That is one killer image, Dan. The drops of water, the open bill, the sharpness and angle. I would be thrilled to have a mallard in flight this good. May be a common bird but it sure is pretty as you have highlighted here.
I am seeing a slight reddish cast, but could be my monitor.

[Sachin Saraf]

Simply superb...Wonderful Image!!

Nice exposure, Sharp and love the details under the wing...

[Daniel Cadieux]

Nothing wrong with photographing the good'ol mallards eh! Great flight pose, and I too noticed the "smile" that you like. I see a bit of colour noise on the purple speculum...did you need to bring out or lighten the colour in post?

[Dan Busby]

Nothing wrong with photographing the good'ol mallards eh! Great flight pose, and I too noticed the "smile" that you like. I see a bit of colour noise on the purple speculum...did you need to bring out or lighten the colour in post?

Yes Daniel, I did a very slight selective brightening of the speculum with the dodge tool at 40%. Hadn't noticed the noise introduction. Thanks for pointing out.

[Dan Busby]

That is one killer image, Dan. The drops of water, the open bill, the sharpness and angle. I would be thrilled to have a mallard in flight this good. May be a common bird but it sure is pretty as you have highlighted here.
I am seeing a slight reddish cast, but could be my monitor.

Thanks Melissa! I don't see the reddish cast but maybe I am too close to the image to see it. Perhaps if anyone else notices it they could kindly point it out. The brownish/reddish colour in the BG is from reflected trees with brownish leaves that have not fallen yet.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Dan, I can see the smile Daniel was referring too, had to chuckle.

Nice and clean, but for me I feel the light is just too even overall, no shadows under the wing, change of tones in the wing plumage/feathers above, everything is just a nice even light. Saying that, love the actual pose and the water droplets on the body is a nice touch.

TFS
Steve

[dankearl]

I love Mallards and this is one of the nicest BIF, I have seen of one.
I, too, love the smile and the water beads.
A funny, well done image.

[Ofer Levy]

Fantastic image! Sharp, well exposed and great pose!