Sometimes only subtle differences separate an unremarkable photo from one that makes me take a second look and appreciate it far more. For me this one did just that.
Today’s post will be brief. It’s one of those days…
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The first couple of times I looked at this shot I passed over it fairly quickly – after all it’s “only” a duck. In this case an adult male Redhead in breeding plumage but it’s still a duck and ducks tend to get less attention than they deserve from far too many folks.
But I like the mood of the image. It was taken soon after a snow squall so the water is choppy, the lighting is dramatic and there are snow pellets (graupel) on the back of the Redhead. In that light the head turn made the shot and I even notice and appreciate the water drops coming off the feathers above his tail. Excellent eye contact, including a catch light, top it all off.
I also like all of the well separated colors in the image including red, gray, black, orange and multiple shades of blue.
He may be “just” a duck but I think the qualities of both the image and the bird add up to more than that. For me it’s all about mood, even though it’s subtle.
Ron
Note:
I hope it’s obvious that I’m being sarcastic when I use the phrases “only a duck” and “just a duck”. To me there’s no such thing.
The more you look, the more you see. Great photo.
Great for all the mentioned reasons.
Nice iridescence…
Thanks, Patty.
Color can have such a strong emotional impact in photography. The colours in this “just a duck” photo are just wonderful and really work for me. Nicely done Ron!
I agree, Gary. Thank you.
Gorgeous. I appreciate all the birds. 🙂
Arwen, I appreciate all of them most of the time but some of them less than others in certain situations. And places.
Ron, methinks that this is a great shot of a spectacular looking bird. The waves and the graupel make the photo even better of a very handsome redhead. Thank you so much.
Thanks a lot, Alice.
I think that is the nicest photo of a redhead that I’ve ever seen. Thanks for sharing!
I’m delighted you enjoy it that much, Kent. Thank you.
A strikingly stunning subject, Ron, and you’ve captured him so perfectly! All kinds of “wow” here!
I’m always up for ducks — and coots, for that matter. 😉
Thank you, Marty. Coots can be a pain but methinks I complain too much…
And I do love to photograph coots at times.
He is an absolute beauty. Thank you.
I hear you on the inversion front. Ours has locked in smoke and debri from fires and drought. At the moment our air quality is being compared to that in China and Bejing. I hope you avoid yours and get some fine photography days (and co-operative subjects).
EC, I’ve been reading about the brutal temps you’ve been getting in Australia. And fires. I’m so sorry.
Beautiful!
Thanks, Lynette.
A great photo! I think he’s giving you a look of admiration for being brave enough to be out in the weather! You captured him well! 😍
I’ll take that interpretation. Thanks, Kathy.
Your photo conveys the multicolored beauty and dignity of this and all Redheads. All ducks, really. Well done.
Thanks very much, Lyle.
Outstanding photo of a beautiful duck. To me there is no such thing as “It’s only a duck.” Love the eye and the expression and the colors. Redheads are very attractive ducks. I often keep duck photos just because of the beautiful water colors or as this one – wind blown choppy lakes etc. Got a good laugh reading one of your followers here who pointed out, “And no coot lurking in the background.” I have been taking lots of photos of beautiful visiting Tundra Swans and it is so hard to get them without a coot or two going back and forth in front or back of them. Often just as I have a clear shot hear comes another one. They can drive you crazy. Had the same problem a month or so back when we had visiting American White Pelicans.
Everett, I call that problem with coots “the curse of the coot”. I love photographing coots when they’re being belligerent with each other or other birds but I don’t appreciate their photo-bombing tendencies.
For me his looks says “Are you going to be more of a problem than that snow squall?”
He definitely had his eye on me.
Glad you kept it! 🙂 He’s a beauty – love the light on the red head as well as the bit of graupel/drops still clinging to him. Choppy water sets him off well. 🙂 Hoping roads clear today – heavy wet snow a couple of days ago and then it got “cold” (teens) – roads a sheet of ice…….
Thanks, Judy. We’re supposed to have a low of 14° tomorrow morning. In some ways I hope we’ll get some snow with it but that would likely bring another dreaded inversion to the valleys so I have mixed feelings about it.
Five star, Ron! And no Coot lurking in the background!😁
Ha, I was just “coot lucky” with this shot, Diane. It sure could have happened.
It is indeed a stunning image full of motion. A beautiful way to pay homage to this duck.
Thanks very much, Kathy.