Gadwall

Gallery: AvianPosted December 5, 2010120 views14 comments

Gadwall (Anas strepera)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: November 27, 2010, 8:50 am
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8, TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered, ISO 400, 1/500th, f/8, natural light no flash
Raw, PS CS3, full frame

I don't have a lot of luck getting close to this widely distributed species, so I was glad to find this drake on a smaller pond where he eventually moved into the light for me.

I like the "mystery" added by having the rump in shadow, but for those who would prefer some light at that end of the duck I might post a different pose as my next post.

As always: honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Please see the larger version for critical viewing.

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on December 5, 2010 at 7:33 PM

Super shot of this male Rich. Love the light in the shot. I like the light and shadow play, the nice water, and the reflection. Well done.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Marquart on December 5, 2010 at 7:45 PM

Since there's no hard shadow line and a more gradual shadow toward the back I think it looks fine the way it is Rich. Looks good especially for a bright sunny shot.

Registered on October 24, 2009, 126 Posts, 799 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on December 5, 2010 at 8:42 PM

Always tough to get details on a gadwall... I like how part of it is hidden in the shadows as the sun is just emerging... a real nice image that I'd consider boosting the WB on just a touch.

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on December 5, 2010 at 9:37 PM

Great detail and a nice catchlight, Richard. I prefer less mystery in the rump....but it's o.k. as is. I think a shot that shrouded the whole LHS of the image in darkness would be more mysterious. The distortion of the beak in the reflection is a bit strange. It's certainly natural....and maybe just attention provoking.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on December 6, 2010 at 12:40 AM

Nice image. I like the lighting. Lots of good detail in the feathers. The bit of red in the feathers on the back.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on December 6, 2010 at 9:49 AM

Works for me as posted, Richard. I like the lighting and the reflection isn't too bad either, no nits from me.

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on December 6, 2010 at 11:51 AM

Richard,
I like this image as posted. Great feather detail and plumage pattern very well captured.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Geoffrey Baker on December 6, 2010 at 2:30 PM

Looks great to me as it is

Well captured.

Geoff.

Registered on August 20, 2010, 192 Posts, 980 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on December 6, 2010 at 3:11 PM

I really like the color scheme of Galdwall's but I have found them not to be very approachable at Sweetwater. Nice full frame image, good detail and smooth water looking at the larger image, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on December 6, 2010 at 3:27 PM

Good techs. The shadow area doesn't bother me at all. Lots of texture and love that smooth blue water as a backdrop.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on December 6, 2010 at 4:51 PM

I absolutely love what the light has done on the front half of the duck Rich. For me the reflection is just fine. I don't think every part of every bird in every shot needs to have well lit detail and I like this a lot.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Moore on December 7, 2010 at 8:08 AM

Great light and detail. I like the slight water movement.Very peacefull shot.

Dan

Registered on February 11, 2010, 143 Posts, 1248 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on December 7, 2010 at 11:37 AM

This is very peaceful and serene Rich, I love that in bird images. I like the light and how the duck's rump is in shadow, seems to give this a nice 3D effetc. Beautiful water and techs as always.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on December 19, 2010 at 7:58 AM

I think the light & shadow add, so I'm with right with you with regards to the mystery.
Excellent comp, natural color, and sharp. I might have patched over the two faint spots I see at right angles above the birds head, if this was mine.
Well done & Merry Christmas Richard.

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments