Comment from GaliaG
Wow, she is surely special, but I can not made my mind is she is beautiful or just ugly and strange

in any case, your focus and light handling are excellent

thanks for sharing

 Comment Written 21-May-2016

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reply by the author on 21-May-2016

thanks so much Galia!!

Comment from Browncat
I hope this bird has ample self esteem because he has the most unusual textures of a single bird in all of nature! His lower neck looks like it was designed by someone who wanted graceful, feminine feathers in a color girls like. His bill reminds me of a tire tread. But the fellow looks contented based on his eyes. He would be proud to see the outstanding photograph you took!

 Comment Written 20-May-2016

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reply by the author on 21-May-2016

they think they are all that and a bag of chips :) thanks Browncat!

Comment from liseworks
She is colourful,,she looks like a rainbow,,love the eye contact, she almost looks like she is smiling,,love your background that makes us just look at her,,very pretty bird

 Comment Written 18-May-2016

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reply by the author on 19-May-2016

Thanks so much Lise

Comment from jesuel
Wow what an amazing photo the color is great the detail is great excellent depth great lighting and I like how you have framed it in fine work here

 Comment Written 18-May-2016

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reply by the author on 19-May-2016

thanks Jesuel :)

Comment from cousineauart
This is so dramatic! I love the composition, the background and the birds tilted head. The colors just pop and really draw me in. This is just an all around amazing photo.

 Comment Written 18-May-2016

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reply by the author on 19-May-2016

thanks so much

Comment from michiganmike
A very nice portrait of this beautiful bird. The colors are excellent and the focus on the eye is very sharp. The cropping is attractive and the background is outstanding. Best of luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 18-May-2016

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reply by the author on 19-May-2016

thanks Mike

Comment from avmurray
This is a fantastic looking portrait of a spoonbill, and I like so much the close and personal approach. I also think the background is especially lovely in this photo with the pastels in green and blue, and the bird is standing out from it in the most excellent way.

Your photo is also very sharp showing such clear and well defined details in every part of the bird. Especially the eye is well captured and also the fine textures of the feathers. I also think the exposure is perfect.

The cropping is very good and the bird has got a very good placement within the frame. This is indeed a beautiful and well taken photo with an excellent DOF, and I wish you luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 18-May-2016

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reply by the author on 19-May-2016

Wow, thank you so very much Annie!

reply by avmurray on 22-May-2016

You are most welcome.

Comment from nikman
You seem to have found a lot of good, natural colours in this shot! I am not at all familiar or knowledgeable about this bird/duck but I do feel you have an excellent portrait of it here. Your shot is well composed, sharp with good exposure. Very well taken and good luck!

 Comment Written 18-May-2016

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reply by the author on 19-May-2016

wow, thanks so much nikman!

Comment from Agreenr
A nice balanced composition. Sharp with nice textures. The colors are interesting. Nice background and the tilt of the head is nice. Well done

 Comment Written 18-May-2016

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reply by the author on 19-May-2016

thank you Agreenr

Comment from iPhone7
Just an excellent photo. Focus and details are spot on, especially the upper bill and neck feathers. Your after photo work is so well done. Depth of field is perfect for bringing out the subject. Even the color of the eye is well defined. Just an beautiful scene. Well done ~ Steve

 Comment Written 18-May-2016

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reply by the author on 19-May-2016

wow, thank you so very much Steve!