# Gadwall Preening Serenity

**URL:** <https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/gadwall-preening-serenity/32213>\
**Category:** Image Critiques\
**Tags:** weekly-challenge\
**Created:** [December 15, 2022, 5:27pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/gadwall-preening-serenity/32213 "2022-12-15T17:27:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Gary\_Minish](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/gary_minish/32/525_2.png) [@Gary\_Minish](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Gary_Minish)\
**Post date:** [December 15, 2022, 5:27pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/gadwall-preening-serenity/32213/1 "2022-12-15T17:27:35Z")

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![Gadwall Preening Serenity](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/a/a/aa2be06738f48297f8a7ed4902d1d66858185098.jpeg)

A pair of Gadwall ducks peacefully preening at the edge of the tidewater. It’s one of my favorite wildlife shots of 2022 because of the tranquility of the scene.

### Specific Feedback Requested

Any feedback is appreciated.

### Technical Details

Sony a6500, FE200600G @ 600mm (900mm w/crop factor), ISO-250, f/6.3, 1/3200, hand held.

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**Author:** ![Diane\_Miller](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diane_miller/32/27391_2.png) [@Diane\_Miller](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diane_Miller)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2022, 12:42am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/gadwall-preening-serenity/32213/2 "2022-12-16T00:42:56Z")

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Definitely tranquil, and in a slightly unusual way I can’t describe. Maybe it’s the almost melancholy light that conveys an unusual quietness. Very lovely in any case!

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**Author:** ![Mike\_Friel](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mike_friel/32/28003_2.png) [@Mike\_Friel](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mike_Friel)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2022, 12:48am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/gadwall-preening-serenity/32213/3 "2022-12-16T00:48:07Z")

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Birds preening always seem to show how unconcerned they are about anything/one around them. The background also plays a large part in conveying the peacefulness of this scene to me. And you went for a very interesting composition with the stones leading to the huddled pair. Good one, Gary!

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**Author:** ![Robena.Sirett](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/robena.sirett/32/50153_2.png) [@Robena.Sirett](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Robena.Sirett)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2022, 2:45am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/gadwall-preening-serenity/32213/4 "2022-12-16T02:45:06Z")

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Hello, I do like the softness of this photo. The birds are beautiful as are the wet rocks and seaweed “pointing” to them. I do find the birds are a bit lost so wonder if cropping in even 10% from the top left might bring more attention to them and their behaviour.