Lesser Scaup

[Daniel Cadieux]

These guys are somewhat skittish around here and hang out way into the river, but every year during fall migration they gather on a certain local pond to get ready for the next leg either south or to the East Coast. Even then they tend to hang out in the middle of the pond, beyond acceptable reach of my 100-400 lens. Last weekend the pond started to freeze on one side, forcing these guys closer to the other shore (and the good side as far as light angle goes too!). Lots of opportunities when staying still...or lying down still in my case.

Canon 7D + 100-400L @390mm, aperture priority, evaluative metering, 1/2500s., f/6.3, ISO 800, +1 EC, natural light, handheld, almost FF. A few very bright highlights from water drops at the base of the bill patched out. Some may wish for a single catchlight, but coming from the water I'm OK with the double one.

[Jim Crosswell]

Great image Daniel! I like the low angle, HA, calm water and sweet BG.

[dankearl]

The Water and BG are great.
The Photo is smooth as silk.

[Alan Murphy]

Sweet low angle image dan, and I like the graduated BG.

[Robert Holguin]

Excellent image! Love the low angle, great head angle, great light, and great water and background colors.
Well done.

[Stu Bowie]

Excellent perspective Dan, and you have brought out the colour on the head very well. Of course, the overall colours in the image puts this over the top. I like this lots.

[Dumay de Boulle]

When I saw the thumbnail I just assumed it was KD's work then saw your name...Very nice image, great low angle and lovely light and colors!

[Tom Rambaut]

Nice low angle and good thinking having the transition of the BG colour well above the duck's head. BG is great.

[Chris Martinez]

An incredibly good looking duck. The yellow eye on that dark green head......!

I like the grumpy look the bird is giving you and the setting is soft and very pleasing.

[Josh Clark]

This is fantastic Daniel! Really like this shot of this Scaup. I especially love the low angle you were able to get on this guy and that BG is killer. Great two toned BG you got going there, actually brings out some of the greens on the head feathers. Great job on this one Daniel.

[Ofer Levy]

Beautiful image! Awesome low angle, lovely light and colours. Here is a repost with some boost in colours and contrast. Removed the second catchlight.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Very nice image I like the low angle, the detail in the plumage is excellent. Given the exposure info I wonder why you went for ISO 800 as opposed to 400 - were you ready for action shots?

[Dan Busby]

Absolutely fantastic image Daniel. The smooth transitions of BG make take this one to the top. Plus great detail and lighting on the bird. I prefer the single catch light.

[ramesh anantharaman]

Just loved it Dan. love the multi coloured bg.. and low level. Total magic here.

[Jeff Sorbie]

Great photo Dan. I love the colors. If I got that low I am sure I would still be there...

[Doug Brown]

Beautiful image to start. Ofer's repost gives it more pop. The low angle looks 'Kaustubhian!'

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Daniel, kind of image I like a lot. perfect low angle to get the green over the head without intersecting. I like the silvery blue here a lot. details, exposure, bird angle, size and placement of the subject....everything spot on IMO. For Scaups you have to go really low if you dont want a 'just water' BG. You found a great spot and made full use of it.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Very nice image I like the low angle, the detail in the plumage is excellent. Given the exposure info I wonder why you went for ISO 800 as opposed to 400 - were you ready for action shots?

Good observation Jonathan. I was laying on a thin strip of exposed ground, parallel to the water on my left (and bank wall on my right)...I raised the ISO to give me more SS and ensure more sharp images in this uncompromising position which had me twisting uncomforatbly as the ducks swam.

Ofer, I could go either way for the catchlight (the only time I don't mind a double catchlight is when it is obviously from the water) but I do like your repost. Thanks for taking the time!