Gadwall

Your larger version really shows the beauty of this duck. Love the vermiculations in the feathers and you got a nice head turn and reflection. I also like the little feather floating out front. Very nice! Sharon

Love the larger version Rich. Great light and and exposure on this shot. The water with the single feather really adds. Very appealing shot. Well done.

The small version doesn't do the detai justice. Really like the circular ripples and all that texture on the bird.

The larger version shows such clarity on the bill that I feel as if I could touch it, and the feather detail on the wings seems to me to be perfection.

I really like when you can get a nice angle on a duck to really show off it's beauty instead of the standard head-on or parallel to the camera. The ripples in the water are a good touch.

I would like to see the bird not swimming away from the viewer for a more intimate feel. Details and water are sweet.

I like this very much as posted Rich. Detail is excellent and that tiny floating feather contributes a lot for me.

Rich,

I love the pose with the gadwall turning it's head towards you, the view of the feathers on the back is great and I love that single floating feather. This has a simple but clean look to it, it is obvious this duck felt comfortable in your presence, it looks very relaxed. Beautiful detail, sharpness and comp.

I also like this one a lot for all the aforementioned reasons. I do find myself wishing for a bit more of a head turn thought, looks like he is making a run for it.

I would like to see the bird not swimming away from the viewer for a more intimate feel.

I do find myself wishing for a bit more of a head turn thought, looks like he is making a run for it.

Interesting comments, but the Gadwall was not swimming away - just simply making a slow turn into the light. Compare this image to my previous Gadwall post of the same bird from the same tripod position. In that post note how the position of the bird quickly puts the tail into shadow since the light is coming almost head-on in the previous view.

Once the Gadwall had come close enough for photos from my fixed position I carefully watched the light on the bird as it moved. I made these two images because the face was illuminated in both, with a natural catchlight visible in the eye of each. Had I waited any longer for the duck to turn here I would have ended up with shadows like in the previous post. Had I waited a fraction longer I would have ended up with the entire face and eye of the Gadwall in shadow with no natural catchlight.

Wasn't sure about it just looking at the small version, as my first impression was that I'd like a bit more of a head turn. Then looking at the large version...I love it! Great eye contact, and I really love the subtly beautiful plumage of these guys.

Like this image. Good over the shoulder look. Lots of detail in the feather. Thank you Sharon for the new word-vermiculation.