Big and Bold

Wildfowl are another favourite subject and these loafing Shelduck gave me an opportunity to try out some different colour combinations. Hardly a subtle bird but they have nice bright, bold and easily defined 'field marks' (what a classic term that is!).
I like the fact they were resting on a bit of gravelly shoreline - a kind of 'mini-beach'. The composition with the shadow reminds me of something from Jonsson's classic Bird Island, which can't be a bad thing! I tussled with the thought of buying a copy of this long-out-of print book at the last Birdfair but opted out as it wasn't cheap and, as I recall, hardly any text in it. Having recently got into colour, though, I might be tempted as I'll be viewing it through fresh eyes. Perhaps someone's a spare copy they may sell me?
Cheers

              Field sketch of resting Shelducks (and preening BHG's!). Old Moor 18th May 2014