A cold, frosty morning in the blind

[BrianA61]

Yesterday, I made it out to duck hunt in the cold (27 deg F), crisp morning air. I got setup in my spot and waited. While sitting there with my thoughts to myself, this is what greeted me. I couldn't help but grab my camera and take a shot. The white-ish areas you see are patches of ice on the water. In fact, I had to break a hole in the ice to float my decoys. I love these crystal clear mornings out in nature. That is Mt. Hood the sun is rising over.

[kap55]

Beautiful image. This is a great time of year for sunrises.

[IzzieK]

I agree with Brian...beautiful image but when you mentioned breaking a hole in the ice, now that sent shivers down my spine! Cold!!!

[BrianA61]

I was actually sweating after breaking ice. I have 5mm waders with 1200gr insulation in the boots. I had on long underwear under my normal jeans, two pair of socks, 3 layers on my upper body and a waterproof jacket. Other than my hands getting a little chilled, I was comfortable after I cooled down from the exercise. I do much less physical labor at my job than I do going after ducks but somehow, I enjoy going after ducks much more than going to my normal job. I'm crazy like that.

[Shadowman]

Very nice.

[csa mt]

Brian, gorgeous colors! I really like your composition of this!

[BrianA61]

Thank you Carol. I was sitting on my marsh seat in the tall grass and happened to see this scene unfolding. My camera was yelling at me to shoot this. I don't know if anybody noticed but this shot seems a little soft. It looks much sharper on my computer at home. I will repost and see if the quality improves. This is almost an SOOC with just a tad of clarity and very slight exposure adjust. Thanks for all the compliments.

[planewood]

Very nice shot, Brian. Nothing better than frosty mornings waiting on the ducks! A shot like this reminds you that Mother Nature knows how to put on a show!

BTW: did they circle in for you?

[BrianA61]

Very nice shot, Brian. Nothing better than frosty mornings waiting on the ducks! A shot like this reminds you that Mother Nature knows how to put on a show!

BTW: did they circle in for you?

Thanks for the compliment, Chuck. They didn't exactly circle in. I got a couple early and then watched an epic pintail show. HUGE WAVES of pintails getting up in a different unit and flying around in all directions. They wouldn't respond to the call or decoys or the jerk string. Ended up with 3 ducks out of THOUSANDS that I saw buzzing around. Still relaxes me just being there and seeing the "big picture".

[csa mt]

"I was sitting on my marsh seat in the tall grass and happened to see this scene unfolding. My camera was yelling at me to shoot this."

Brian, isn't it exciting when this happens? I've had this happen, waking up to a beautiful sunrise, and just have to grab my camera to capture it. You certainly captured a beauty with this!

[IzzieK]

.........Ended up with 3 ducks out of THOUSANDS that I saw buzzing around. Still relaxes me just being there and seeing the "big picture".

Be careful about thoughts like this -- you might end up a very famous photographer -- your boss will hate you then...

[BrianA61]

Be careful about thoughts like this -- you might end up a very famous photographer -- your boss will hate you then...

Izzie, if I depended on my photography or my duck hunting skills, I would starve to death. I don't think my boss is in any danger of losing an employee.

[bnnrcn]

Nice colors and composition