Contortionist

Gallery: AvianPosted July 24, 201596 views3 comments

Canon 1D-X, 500mm f4 + 1.4 teleconverter, tripod
f5.6, 1/800, ISO200

A Harlequin Duck hen going through some impressive contortions as she preens and spreads oil on her feathers. Taken at the Solomon Gulch Hatchery, Valdez Arm, Alaska.

75% of full frame. adjustment to Highlights and selective sharpening to the bird.

C & C, please. Thanks for looking.

Comments

3 comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on July 25, 2015 at 1:11 PM

Which way is up? I think it is fun to watch birds and other animal go the behavioral rituals. Too often on this site, and no offense meant to anyone please, we are all looking for the classic bird pose. If it isn't perfect, we have a nit to pick. There is clearly a major place on this site for those images and like everone else I also strive to achieve them. That said; however, I enjoy the lighter side of the animal kingdom as well. We don't have a humor category or a behavior category. Very nice light on this Harlequin female and what a contrast to the male of the species. Good job.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 25, 2015 at 6:34 PM

Great pose, Jim. Nice detail and perfect dof.

devil

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

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on July 25, 2015 at 10:50 PM

Nicely titled Jim, looks like avian yoga. Nice light and excellent techs- very cool shot!

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments