Mandarin Duck


Posted by E.J. Peiker on Mon Jan 19, 2004 7:45 pm

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Mandarin Duck - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
EOS 10D, 500mm, 1.4x, 1/200, f/8, Flash @ -1 2/3, ISO 400

While these beautiful creatures can be seen sporadically in various ponds in southern Arizona and southern California, seeing one out of the water in a place where you can actually photograph them is very rare. This was taken yesterday in a pond locally - it is not a captive bird but one that comes back every winter. Unfortunately this winter the numbers have dwindled from 10 two years ago, to 6 last year, to just one this year. I am very worried that this may be the last time we see him.


Last edited by E.J. Peiker on Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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by Laura Stiefel on Mon Jan 19, 2004 7:56 pm
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This is stunningly beautiful E.J.. I love the way the duck is looking out into the pond. Although I can't quite put my finger on it and it might be based in part upon your narrative, there is a mood to this image that I find quite moving.
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by Scott Allen on Mon Jan 19, 2004 7:56 pm
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Simply stunning! I love the colors and composition. GREAT flash work as well.
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by Chris Valentine on Mon Jan 19, 2004 7:59 pm
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Wonderful, what colors! The water drops on the belly add a nice touch.
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by AlexC on Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:00 pm
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Composition, light, colors and flash work, all came together to compliment such a magnificent bird!!! Excellent!!! 8) , Justice has been done, I do hope he comes back and bring some friends!! :wink:
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by Jim Urbach on Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:33 pm
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EJ,

Lovely as usual. The water droplets on his belly add an unusual touch.

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by Jim Neely on Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:38 pm
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Beautiful, E.J.

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by KK Hui on Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:46 pm
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A wonderful shot, EJ! :lol: :lol: :lol:
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by LHays on Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:54 pm
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A beautiful image...with a very touching narrative. Here's hoping that they'll be back.
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by Juan A. Pons on Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:57 pm
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EJ,

Wonderful image as usual. This is one beatiful bird. One of those exotic species that one secretly feels there would be more of!
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by Rich S on Mon Jan 19, 2004 9:11 pm
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Simply stunning! And I thought you said he slipped back into the water before you got the shot!

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by Jack Frank on Mon Jan 19, 2004 9:27 pm
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Very nice capture
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by Harvey Edelman on Mon Jan 19, 2004 9:56 pm
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Nice pose on that rock.
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by Alan Murphy on Mon Jan 19, 2004 11:07 pm
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Nice bird, nice water, nice perch.
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by Dennis Olivero on Mon Jan 19, 2004 11:07 pm
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Stunning is an understatement here Ej, way to go...
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by Juan E. Bahamon on Mon Jan 19, 2004 11:29 pm
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EJ:

Absolutely beautiful, Great homage to this handsome creature. I hope they will come back. Any speculations why they are dwindling???
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by Mike Wilson on Tue Jan 20, 2004 12:02 am
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Lord, have mercy. Just lovely.
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by RichardMittleman/Gon2Foto on Tue Jan 20, 2004 3:53 am
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Very sweet
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by Bruce DiVaccaro on Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:29 am
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EJ,

This is a fine shot. It's nice to see him out of the water on such a good perch.
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by DC on Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:53 am
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Beautiful shot EJ. He does look like he's looking for some of his friends.
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