Red-breasted/drying off

Gallery: AvianPosted May 4, 2012137 views10 comments

This female Red-breasted Merganser had just finished bathing and was drying off as I caught this pose.

Not baited, called, or set up.

D3s
500mm f/4 VR-II
TC-14E II
1/4000s @ f/7.1
ISO 400
-1/3EV
Spot Metered
Gitzo w/Wimberley II

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on May 4, 2012 at 11:51 AM

Well caught! The water droplets, the body turn, the movement of the wet feathers, the catchlight—all top drawer, Chuck. Although it is almost too difficult to tell, it feels as if a small CCW rotation MIGHT be in order.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Raymond Klassen on May 4, 2012 at 2:42 PM

I like everything about this. Great pose, as well as everything Philip mentioned. If anything, a sliver more room at the top. I was wondering what caused the red water. Then I looked close and noticed the tips of her feet were visible!

Registered on November 30, 2008, 114 Posts, 790 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on May 4, 2012 at 4:24 PM

Excellent. Good work on the exposure her. Nice sharpness. Good action as well.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on May 4, 2012 at 9:08 PM

Love the water dripping off and the lighting on the face - really a terrific image

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

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on May 6, 2012 at 12:19 AM

Beautiful light and colors, great sharpness and detail, very appealing look of the bird.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on May 6, 2012 at 7:59 AM

Very, very nice image, Chuck. Beautiful light. Perfect exposure and sharpness. Love those water droplets. Well done.

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

Comment posted by Patrick O'Healy on May 6, 2012 at 2:50 PM

Are you sure this is not an orchestra conductor? Great shot.

Registered on March 13, 2011, 326 Posts, 1679 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on May 7, 2012 at 7:27 AM

Nice Chuck. Love the light and water drops. Well done.

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

Comment posted by Verdon on May 7, 2012 at 10:49 PM

what a great shot with soft light, nice detail and BG, large version is very nice too

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on May 8, 2012 at 8:13 PM

Nice timing. Well done.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments