# Young (or eclipse?) Wood Duck

**URL:** <https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/young-or-eclipse-wood-duck/43940>\
**Category:** Image Critiques\
**Tags:** birds\
**Created:** [November 9, 2024, 4:52pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/young-or-eclipse-wood-duck/43940 "2024-11-09T16:52:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\
**Post date:** [November 9, 2024, 4:52pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/young-or-eclipse-wood-duck/43940/1 "2024-11-09T16:52:31Z")

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![-20241108-_A1_9388-McLane Creek-ARW-Edit.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/b/2/b2dcf44b6860d1dfc7a452b2f1eca3b9aa6165f4.jpeg)

> **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_
> 
> The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

### Description

I finally got down to our local pond yesterday morning to look for Wood Ducks. I found a couple and this young or eclipse phase (not sure which) hopped up on this nearby log to preen. There are still quite a few decrepit lily pads on the pond to deal with , but I chose to leave the two on the left.

### Specific Feedback

Are the lily pads too much of a distraction?

### Technical Details

Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC @ 482 mm, monopod, f/9, 1/2000, iso 8000. Noise reduction using DxO PureRaw4, processed in LR & PS CC. Cropped to 6176x4368. Taken November 8th at 9:43 a.m.

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### Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

- Vision and Purpose:
- Conceptual:
- Emotional Impact and Mood:
- Composition:
- Balance and Visual Weight:
- Depth and Dimension:
- Color:
- Lighting:
- Processing:
- Technical:

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**Author:** ![Peter\_Morrissey](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/peter_morrissey/32/683_2.png) [@Peter\_Morrissey](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Peter_Morrissey)\
**Post date:** [November 9, 2024, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/young-or-eclipse-wood-duck/43940/3 "2024-11-09T22:56:35Z")

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Hi Dennis  
The two lily pads seem to balance each other and the Wood Duck is very cool.  
Peter

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**Author:** ![Ed\_Williams](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/ed_williams/32/65698_2.png) [@Ed\_Williams](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Ed_Williams)\
**Post date:** [November 10, 2024, 12:04am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/young-or-eclipse-wood-duck/43940/4 "2024-11-10T00:04:11Z")

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Dennis. It seems you were trying to leave some behind the duck (direction it is looking) but I don’t think it is necessary. I would think a square image with a bit of judicial cloning might look a bit cleaner. I love the detail and colors in the bird, the log is nice, and the water is nice.

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**Author:** ![Allen\_Sparks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_sparks/32/63507_2.png) [@Allen\_Sparks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Sparks)\
**Post date:** [November 10, 2024, 1:36am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/young-or-eclipse-wood-duck/43940/5 "2024-11-10T01:36:23Z")

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Hi Dennis, fine details and color on the duck. Always great to see this species. Composition looks good to me. Love seeing that striking red eye with the orange eye ring.