I took this for the setting more than the ducks, so the fact some reeds obscure the male doesn’t bother me, but adds to the sense of where they are. I also like the log the female is on.
Canon 7D II: Sigma 150-600 at 435mm; 1/320 at f8.0; -1/3 EV; ISO 1250
Hi Allen. I can see why you were intrigued. It is a very “ducky” setting. Detail in the birds looks pretty good, especially given the low SS. For me, the foreground reeds tip into being obtrusive, but that’s just my opinion. Maybe you can get both ducks on the log on a subsequent trip!
Wonderful behavioral image here and more than likely, in this environment, this is what one would see and say “damn, I wish those reads weren’t in the way”. Despite that the effect works, even the out of focus areas in the water. The only spot that I find a little obtrusive is the blurry area between the two ducks above the water. Excellent point of view and good job trying to control the situation.
A really nice habitat shot Allen. The obscuring reeds are a bit of a nuisance but that is the way it is. Soon you should be able to get a shot of these two or at least the female with some ducklings. Lovely spring colors and I agree the log is a dandy.
