Posted by Bill Maile on March 18, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Apologize for the clarity again. I was shooting this from clear across a pond armed with only a 12x optical zoom and a bright rising sun to the left. When I saw them, I thought they must be mallards in the FG. But now that I take a look online and at the photo, the beaks certainly don't seem to match. Haven't found the right example in my search I don't think. Any help given the image constraints?? Thank you in advance to the very helpful avian experts here.
And, as a result of the above, this image I think would certainly make a lovely painting. But as a photo is it worthy of posting in the gallery?? Thanks again.
Posted by Luke Ormand on March 18, 2010 at 11:17 AM
Common Mergansers, which, aren't so "common" actually. 4 males and 1 female
As for the image, there are some redeeming qualities (the spacial seperation, the lines of the birds wakes) but the whites are badly blown and the OOF vegetation is quite distracting and adds nothing.
- Luke
Posted by Bill Maile on March 18, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Thank you again Luke for the education--Common Mergansers, new one to me. I will look them up. Yes, I took it the differently colored one was a female of the species.
Yes, the sun was hitting them right in the arse. And the annoying vegetation is everywhere around the shoreline--it was not used on purpose. I can guarantee you I will get a higher quality image of them, especially now that I know what they are and that they are not so common. Look forward to sharing it.
Thanks as always,
Bill
Posted by Bill Maile on March 18, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Luke, or anyone else, in the photos I've seen the head looks almost black rather than green... is it somewhere in the middle?? Thanks.
Posted by Bill Maile on March 18, 2010 at 11:45 AM
A different view from the same shoot, maybe a tad clearer but still needs help.
Posted by Luke Ormand on March 18, 2010 at 1:31 PM
The head color is green but it all depends on the lighting - unless its directly lit up like here, it usually appears black. This is common for many avian species that have irridescent colors. Just this morning I photographed some Boat-Tailed Grackles and they had a beautiful green/blue sheen to them because they were being directly lit by the sun. Usually when you see these bids they appear black
They are very common on Pine Creek in Lycoming, Clinton, Tioga and Potter Counties in PA. Well, if you see a duck on the "crick", it's more than likely a Common Merganser and female at that.
Discussion
7 repliesAnd, as a result of the above, this image I think would certainly make a lovely painting. But as a photo is it worthy of posting in the gallery?? Thanks again.
As for the image, there are some redeeming qualities (the spacial seperation, the lines of the birds wakes) but the whites are badly blown and the OOF vegetation is quite distracting and adds nothing.
- Luke
Yes, the sun was hitting them right in the arse. And the annoying vegetation is everywhere around the shoreline--it was not used on purpose. I can guarantee you I will get a higher quality image of them, especially now that I know what they are and that they are not so common. Look forward to sharing it.
Thanks as always,
Bill
- Luke