Blue Winged Teal w/repost

Gallery: AvianPosted June 19, 201361 views6 comments

Blue-winged Teals are a big favorite of mine that show off their beautiful earth toned colors. This drake is turned slightly so the gorgeous chocolate and cream blending on each of the back tertial feathers is clearly visible. The earth tone colors are repeated in the markings of the side pocket group. In my opinion, the teals were well thought out by Mother Natures Paint Dept.

Ridgefield NWR, Washington

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L IS USM
F/8 1/125 ISO 400
beanbag lens rest on auto window

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Jefferson Silva on June 19, 2013 at 7:40 PM

Craig, although the colors and the details on the bird body are great, I think the head is a bit soft. I wish the head could be turned a little .

Registered on December 18, 2012, 162 Posts, 975 Comments

Comment posted by Claude Dagenais on June 19, 2013 at 9:31 PM

I agree on sharpness with Jefferson, particularly the eye, the body is well in evidence as you planned and the water color is very nice. A little short on light to close down at ISO 400 probably.

Registered on April 10, 2013, 56 Posts, 571 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on June 19, 2013 at 10:30 PM

While a nice exposure, for me the angle of the Teal is just too far away to make this successful. As noted, the head isn't as sharp as it needs to be either.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on June 20, 2013 at 8:38 AM

Beautiful blend of colors, the green water and the earth toned Teal. Well exposed. It's unfortunate that the bird did not give you more of a head turn, which would have changed the angle and perhaps brought the head into the DOF.

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

Comment posted by Craig Strand on June 20, 2013 at 9:07 AM

Here is a better example with good DOF. Thanks for pointing out my missing the OOF Head area on original

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

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on June 21, 2013 at 4:43 PM

Just great on the repost, Craig!! The pattern on the bird is a real duzy; I can see why it would be a favorite.

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