This male Mallard was busy preening himself and was caught just as he rose in the water and flapped his wings to dry them. Keeping the feathers in good shape is important to a bird, so preening is an activity that is frequently observed.
The camera recorded the following information in the original image file:
Nikon D3
2008/11/23 12:06:11.6
Color
Data Format: Lossless Compressed RAW (14-bit)
Image Size: Large (4256 x 2832)
Lens: AF 300mm F/4 ED
Focal Lens: 300mm
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Matrix
1/400 sec - F/5.6
Exposure Comp.: 0 EV
Flash Sync Mode: Not Attached
Sensitivity: ISO 250
Color Mode: Mode I (Adobe RGB)
Hue Adjustment: 0
Gerald & Irmgard Carter
White Balance: Direct Sunlight
AF Mode: AF-C
Tone Comp: Less Contrast
Saturation: Normal
Sharpening: None
Long Exposure NR: Off
High ISO NR: Off