Ruddy Duck.


Posted by Laura Stiefel on Tue Sep 23, 2003 9:46 am

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Image
Lake Los Carneros, Santa Barbara, CA.

D30, Sigma 400 f/5.6 APO Macro HSM @ 6.3, ISO 200, 1/1600, -1 1/3, flash -1 1/3, cropped.

I watched this guy and his female companion for several hours one day. While the female would frequently swim within a foot of me the male usually stayed quite a bit further away. When the Coot family, also at the lake, would swim near the male Ruddy he would start this "bubbling" behavior accompanied by a strange honking sound. I've shown this photo to several people and I seem to be the only one who likes it. :roll: I'd be very interested to hear any opinions as I guess I am not sure what to think about this image. All comments are welcome. Thanks for looking! :)

Also- I should mention there is a huge fence blocking off this side of the Lake therefore preventing a lower shooting angle. I would have preferred the lower angle and the wing tip not to overlap the tail.
Laura Stiefel
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Last edited by Laura Stiefel on Tue Sep 23, 2003 10:18 am, edited 1 time in total.

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by Sandy Mossberg on Tue Sep 23, 2003 9:49 am
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I like it, Laura, especially the water bubbles and the tail up. It needs a hair of CCW rotation.
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by Bill Whala on Tue Sep 23, 2003 9:56 am
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What's not to like? The little guy has plenty of attitude. The wing-tail merge is a result of him pulling that tail waaay forward :shock: and not a problem for me. CCW rotation is my only recommendation. I also like the pano crop.

Very nice!!
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by ajhand on Tue Sep 23, 2003 10:19 am
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Laura:

I think it's very interesting. Is this bubbling behaviour SOP with these guys? I have never seen it or heard of it. Anyone know how the bubbles are made?

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by AlexC on Tue Sep 23, 2003 10:58 am
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Rudy's and the Masked Ducks are two characters with attitude, I have not seen more endearing ducks than these , I also like this image, a crazy little duck if you ask me!!!, Good exposure and nice detail, Congrats!!! 8)
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by Dennis Olivero on Tue Sep 23, 2003 11:20 am
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Cute shot enhanced with a clever crop.. Thumbs up from MN!
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by E.J. Peiker on Tue Sep 23, 2003 11:37 am
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Gotta love the tail straight up like this - exposure is good on a very tough subject. A slight crop from the right and a slight rotation to level it out would improve it.
 

by joseph motto on Tue Sep 23, 2003 11:44 am
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Laura,
I have to agree with the obviously more discriminating observers here---
I like it. Unlike most of the bird images posted here this one transmits the personality of the duck and is quite unique. Thanks for sharing.
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by Harvey Edelman on Tue Sep 23, 2003 11:55 am
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Well done Laura. Just needs a hairs turn to the left.
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by Mike Wilson on Tue Sep 23, 2003 1:10 pm
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Nice behavior and great to see the colorful plumage on this guy. Definitely enjoy seeing this. Bubbles, tail up and alert. Mr. personality of the duck world.
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by mwagner1 on Tue Sep 23, 2003 1:51 pm
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What a neat shot!!! I found out that the ducks are starting to arrive on the Texas coast, so I am looking forward to seeing many more of my favorite type of birds!!

Congrats!!

Cheers,
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by Bruce DiVaccaro on Tue Sep 23, 2003 2:15 pm
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Laura,

This is a nice shot. You did well with the exposure and you caught the tail in a nice position. Too bad you couldn't get lower. That would have made it even better.
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by Bill Keown on Tue Sep 23, 2003 2:57 pm
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I like this image as it shows behavior and great colors. Technical comments have been covered.

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by Cliff Beittel on Tue Sep 23, 2003 3:28 pm
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ajhand wrote:Anyone know how the bubbles are made?
By forcing air from the feathers--which also allows this species to sink out of sight like a grebe. This is a nice shot. I like that the wing and tail touch, though agree with EJ less space behind the bird would be better, and with everyone a lower angle would be better. Wire cutters, maybe? ;)
 

by Anthony Medici on Tue Sep 23, 2003 5:58 pm
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Very cute! Nice capture of the action. :)
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by Alan Murphy on Tue Sep 23, 2003 7:59 pm
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Hey Laura,

I think the photo is great. The action alone is incredible. I just wish it was bigger in the frame so we could see him better.

I'm glad to see your Avatar. It's nice to put a face to the name.
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by Jim Probst on Tue Sep 23, 2003 9:25 pm
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Laura,

The pose and action of this Ruddy is very entertaining! Terrific image!
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by Greg Downing on Tue Sep 23, 2003 11:27 pm
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My favorite duck of all time and I have nothing on it. This is a very nice shot though a slight crop and tilt would help improve it.
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by Heather Forcier on Tue Sep 23, 2003 11:54 pm
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I like it, especially the behavior. I've never seen one of these in person before, hope to at some point though! :)
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by LHays on Wed Sep 24, 2003 4:53 am
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Laura
I love these guys. I've seen them but never been close enough for a shot. This is a great shot....made exceptional by the action of the bubbles. Excellent capture.
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