The Optimist

Point à la Bise, Geneva, Switzerland

D300s 300mm f2.8 ED VR2 with 2TC series 3 attached
ISO 1250 1/1250 at f /10.0 EV 0.00 WB Manual Centre weighted average
Hand held
RAW file original 71% crop, all sides except the left.
Photoshop PS6

I was about to abandon a very uneventful shooting session when I spotted this one, trying desperately to be accepted by a group of mallards. I was particularly struck by it’s appearance which was quite unlike any bird I had seen before. Notable features were the dark chocolate coloured back feathers, black iris and the dark feathered strip running upward from the nape of the neck. The question is: what is its identiy? My best guess is a hybrid of two close species: Anthya ferina x Anthya nyroca e.g. Pochard x Ferruginous Duck

In pppp I chose to accentuate the reflection and forward movement of the duck by exaggerated lightening the bg water. The reflection was left intact. Hope you like it. Your nits and crits are most welcome.