Blue Winged Teal

Gallery: AvianPosted June 1, 201390 views5 comments

We are fortunate here in the Pacific Northwest to usually observe the Green-winged, Cinnamon and an occasional pair of Blue-winged Teal. During my years of wild bird carving, the blue winged rose as my favorite to replicate due to it's earth toned plumage and difficulty in painting. I can usually spot one or two pairs of these late arriving waterfowl on the refuge.
Yesterday, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, WA

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L + 1.4TC
F/8 -1 1/500 ISO 200
beanbag lens rest auto window

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on June 1, 2013 at 8:50 PM

Well taken with good detail and typical habitat. We get these in considerable numbers at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, SC in the early spring. A tiny nit—the bird is a bit centered for my taste.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 1, 2013 at 10:58 PM

Nice one, Craig. I like the tucked in posture and the nice eye contact.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on June 1, 2013 at 11:20 PM

Very nice image of this Blue-winged Teal in its habitat, I like the contrast in color and in textures the bird and the BG. It looks like the bird posed to be painted or photographed. In fact, the image reminds my of the drawings that I have seen in nature book. The centered composition works for me here.

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on June 2, 2013 at 8:12 PM

Nice one, Craig. Good detail in the intricate feather pattern. I like the inclusion of some of the lush habitat.

Didn't have much luck on my last visit; maybe time for a return trip...?

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on June 2, 2013 at 10:48 PM

Thanks for your comments and critiques on my BW Teal.
Catherine - I have been at Ridgefield the past 3 days and will be limiting my visits now that the tall grasses are in bloom and pollen in the air. The grasses along ponds, sloughs and roadways is pretty high making viewing over the tops and down into to sloughs difficult unless you are in a higher vehicle or truck. Just a note in case your allergic to pollen.
Craig

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments