Hooded Merganser

I thought I would post another bird photo from this week. It's been a great week for capturing images of usually elusive waterfowl that like to keep "out of range." I spent about an hour with this Hooded Merganser drake, that came within range after eating, preening and then raising his hood for this classic display. I know how badly centered this is but if I cropped him into the lower left third I would lose the head reflection and the great water ripples behind, so left him where he is. If interested, I have posted another view of the same bird raised out of the water and stretching...

http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=111011&CGISESSID=7e90dabfc8f7fbc3b2fb631084252ced&u=21601

Thanks for your suggestion and comments

Canon 40D 600mm 1.4X f4.l F/6.3 ISO-400

A difficult exposure with the whites and blacks together Craig, you did well. I like the comp's reflection and ripples, although there seems to be some tilt to the right with the ripples.

David M. Cobb

Craig,
Sure is an ugly bird, But, nice catch.

Better Craig, but still a wee bit of tilt to the image.

David

Hopefully the 3rd time is a charm, I rotated the guy another degree (two more is too much), "Thanks again David for use of your excellent eyes, very helpful!