First and foremost, the colours in this are simply exquisite. The all just pop. Even the background being so vivid one would think it would distract from the main subject but in this case, it does not. In fact, it really complements the subject well.

Another thing I find striking in this image is the curves. There really aren't any real straight lines in this everything is rounded and it makes this images quite dynamic and not restrictive at all.

As far as things to choose to possibly improve for later captures of this sort, I only really have one. Basically it's the eye and how dark it is, it's always nice when a catch light can be captured in the eye. I realize that the dynamic range difference between the eye and the duck is huge and that if you choose one over the other the outcome is different. Choose the eye and the duck might look greyish which is not desirable at all, choose the plumage and the eye turns dark. It's a really fine line and one I'm not sure how to do correctly except perhaps to suggest using a flash to get some fill light - all depending on focal length of course.

But really, that's me being a nit-pick and this shot stands strong as it is. Really well captured Bobby.

My oh my. What do we have HERE?

Is Mr. Duck in all of it's glory!

For me, the biggest achievement on this picture, is making the duck look magnificent. Ducks have an innocent, kinda "dumb" face that makes it hard for them to look imponent. Well, my friend, you just did it.

I really enjoy the colors. They manage to transmit HEAT through the screen, and it's warmth makes it easy for you to feel the day and the surf around you. A fantastic way to transmit emotion without revealing the environment.

It is hard to critique something like this though, given the espontaneity of the picture, in which I'm pretty sure the model wouldn't stay on the same position for too long. But, if you want it, I'm going with the abscence of vertical dynamic symmetry. If you look closely, the white chest of the duck is in a close-to-golden proportion on the horizontal axis, and this harmony is broken by the lack of its counterweight vertically.

Now, now. This is only because I HAD to say it, not because it detracts from the picture in any way. It is still a fantastic shot, a HARD shot, and a very powerful image from the only all-terrain animal in the world. Great job!