Originally posted by Nod Everet Here's the un-flattering photo of the same bird in a different location launching into the air....
This shot, with the back of the bird lit up by solid sunlight, would really show off the wings colors. Most likely the moss wouldn't look any better in strong sun, but that's make the feathers really shine.
If your situation is anything like I usually have shooting birds, you were quick to get your camera on the bird at only 2 feet off the water and so well focused!
I'm working on several waterfowl shots:
ducks and geese landing towards me
1) the initial cup of the wings as the bird gets ready to land
2) the legs going down just above the water
3) the bird 'waterskiing' to a stop
preferably all with the bird looking at me
ducks and geese taking off towards me
1) running on the water (or grass, but I prefer water) to get going
2) wings on either the straight up or almost touching the water as it flaps to get off the water
3) just off the water with the wings on the down side of the flap, but legs still down
4) legs tucked and wings flapping just off the water
all preferably with the bird looking at me
I've had some luck so far with Mallards, Canadian geese, Northern Shovelers, Greaves, and such - but no shots that are exactly what I want yet. They are tough to anticipate even in great light - and great light is not a common thing.
Great job on the picture and I hope to see some more!