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Green-winged Teal, male
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Green-winged Teal, male

by May Haga

Gallery: AvianPosted May 19, 201648 views5 comments
This was taken shortly after the sun came up yesterday morning.  Along with the dawn light there was a lot of smoke in the air from the northern forest fires.

Not sure if I like it.  What does everyone else think?

Nikon D810, 300 2.8 lens, f4, 1/1250, ISO 1000

Thanks for looking and your critiques are appreciated.

May

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on May 20, 2016 at 1:03 PM
Gorgeous reflections in the water, May, and I really like how the finer textures in the water mimic the feather structure on the Teal's back (or vice versa).  For some reason the eye and the water droplets don't seem to pop the way I would expect in this image.  I've had that issue with some duck images and I'm not sure what causes it as it looks sharp enough otherwise.

devil
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments
Comment posted by David Schoen on May 20, 2016 at 8:53 PM
I agree with Dennis at the reflection is very nice. You have very warm colors in the picture which is a real advantage for those folks who get up really early.  It really pays off the quality of the light on this duck. The duck is very sharp and the surroundings are soft and warm. Well done and I like it.
Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments
Comment posted by Raoul Breaux Jr on May 20, 2016 at 9:18 PM
I like the overall color palette of this.  The warm light of the morning sun really compliments the bird's coloring.  Focus looks spot-on.  These birds have an eye color that is almost the same tonal value as the head coloring which makes them disappear.  Perhaps lightening the eye would separate it and make it more distinct.  Also, low-level light hitting a flat surface (such as the bird's head) doesn't create the shadow edges that would enhance the eye and water droplets.  All of this aside, I think is is a very nice image with a lovely overall look.
Registered on April 27, 2016, 20 Posts, 142 Comments
Comment posted by S Govindarajan on May 21, 2016 at 8:26 PM
I really like the light and water colors in the image, May. Nice capture of one of our more colorful ducks.
Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Archer on May 22, 2016 at 6:36 PM
It's a keeper in my book May!  A great subject in sweet light, nice colors throughout and very sharp.

A sweet portrait!!!
Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments