Long-tailed Duck

Gallery: AvianPosted December 10, 201332,767 views6 comments

I was out exploring within a couple hours upon arriving in Nome Alaska this spring. The ice on the Bering Sea was just starting to break apart and I found an open area near the beach which contained a pair of red-throated loons and a pair of long-tailed ducks. This is a shot of the excited long-tailed drake just after a courting session.

Canon MKIV, 600mm & 1.4x, 1/1000, f9, ISO 800, cropped top and bottom approximately 20%.

All your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on December 10, 2013 at 6:39 PM

A very nice capture Ken. I've never even seen one of these guys. Bet that was a fun trip.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by John Neukirch on December 10, 2013 at 7:56 PM

The large version is exquisite. I really like the position captured and the wonderful browns. The water droplets are just icing on the cake. Way to go Ken!

Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 10, 2013 at 8:13 PM

Great pose, Ken. Nice job in what looks like dull light. I love the stopped water drops.

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

Comment posted by May Haga on December 10, 2013 at 8:44 PM

Great action Ken. On the larger version I enjoy seeing the water droplets.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Ralph Kerr on December 11, 2013 at 7:57 AM

Nice photo, Ken. Good choice of settings to get the shutter speed to stop the wing motion. I enjoy the detail, including the water droplets

Registered on January 30, 2007, 369 Posts, 852 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on December 12, 2013 at 9:04 AM

Great pose, nice to capture that. Excellent exposure of the light and dark feather, nice work.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments