Birds in Nature - images of wild birds by Richard Ditch

Subject: Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)
Place: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date: December 2002
Equipment: Nikon N90S, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (= 600/5.6), tripod
Film: Fuji Sensia 100
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered
Scan: Minolta Dimage, 80% of frame

Commentary: Ducks look quite different when they are out of the water. This female took some time out at a local park pond.

Lessons for photographers: look for unusual settings for common and often photographed birds to make unique images; don't insist on side views (everybody else does that); don't be afraid of directional light (it gives the subject form and makes the image three dimensional).