American Coot

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The American Coot is a common sight around the waters near our home in Vancouver, Canada. It is a difficult subject to expose well because the feathers are so dark and the beak is so bright. Here we managed to preserve detail in both areas. They are more often sighted in the water than on land. Perhaps they are too modest to show off their huge and brightly coloured feet.

Here's additional information provided by the camera along with the original file (PC Nikon Capture 2 format):

Nikon D1X
1/13/2002 1:10:28.2 PM
1/160 sec - f/4.8
Color
Data Format:         RAW (12-bit)
Compression:         None
Image Size:          Large (3008 x 1960)
Lens:                80-400mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length:        122mm
Exposure Mode:       Programmed Auto*
Metering Mode:       Multi-Pattern
Exposure Comp.:      -2/3 EV
Exposure Difference: 0 EV
Flash Sync Mode:     Not Attached
Sensitivity:         ISO 200
Color Mode:          Mode II (Adobe RGB)
Hue Adjustment:      3
White Balance:       Cloudy
Tone Comp:           Less Contrast
Sharpening:          None