Gadwall beauty

Gadwalls are medium-sized ducks, the ♂♂ are characterized by a general lack of bright coloration (in contrast with other drake ducks). Although they might be known for their dull gray-brown appearance, close-ups reveal beautiful feather patterns. Below are a few examples. The photos are taken in pretty rough weather, showers interspersed with sunny spells; note how this influences the tone of water.

* Canon EOS 7D with 500mm/f4 IS and 1.4x; ISO-400, f6.3, 1/1250s; from beanbag.
* Canon EOS 7D with 500mm/f4 IS and 1.4x; ISO-400, f8, 1/500s; from beanbag.
* Canon EOS 7D with 500mm/f4 IS and 1.4x; ISO-400, f8, 1/320s, +0.3 stop; from beanbag.

Dancing on water

Not walking, but dancing on water. That's what these Little Gulls (Larus minutus/Dwergmeeuw) do, with unparalleled elegancy. Today I was a happy spectator of this wonder of nature. Place of action: The Dutch coast! How on earth is it possible that these birds, breeding near quiet inland lakes in Finland, winter on this rough, open and windy North Sea?

* Canon EOS 7D with 500mm/f4 IS; ISO-400, f6.3, 1/2000s; from tripod.
* Canon EOS 7D with 500mm/f4 IS; ISO-400, f6.3, 1/2000s; from tripod.

Deep purple

A very reliable coastal winter visitor. I like the yellow-orange legs and bill of these funny little Purple Sandpipers (Calidris maritima/Paarse Strandloper). The real tasty stuff is always hard to get!

* Canon EOS 7D with 500mm/f4 IS; ISO-400, f6.3, 1/2000s; from tripod.