Mergansers Are Back on Lake by Pesch Andreas

Captured during a late autumn afternoon near the Elbe river, this photograph documents the return of mergansers to the local quarry ponds. The photographer patiently observed the birds as they displayed their vibrant, macho behavior in the soft 5 pm light. By utilizing a long focal length, the image achieves an intimate perspective that highlights the intricate details of the waterfowl against the tranquil water. This shot is award-worthy for its successful capture of a fleeting wildlife moment, demonstrating both the photographer's dedication to field observation and a keen eye for natural animal behavior.

Mergansers Are Back on Lake by Pesch Andreas
Sony ILCE1 with FE200-600mm
Exposure 1/800sec @ f/6.3 | ISO 250 | Focal Length 600mm
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Pesch Andreas

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Magdeburg, Germany, Pesch Andreas rediscovered his lifelong passion for photography after years of focusing on other pursuits. His early experience with black-and-white film in the 1960s laid the foundation for his current dedication to wildlife photography, a craft he refined significantly during the pandemic. Today, he combines technical precision with the patience of a hunter, capturing the natural world with an evolving expertise that continues to grow with every excursion into the wild.

7.9/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
69/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
3,662 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date February 5, 2023
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 18.0
Style 12.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Magdeburg, Germany

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (7.7/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
2.0/5 points
408/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
3,662/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
0.7/5 points
69/500 Submission
Jury Score: 66.0/80
Resonance Score: 7.7/20
Total Award Score: 73.7/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Reflections on this Photograph
By Astrid Halvorsen

The Stillness of Returning

The light in late February often carries a deceptive clarity, a thin, brittle brightness that suggests the thaw is further along than it truly is. It is a pale, silver-edged light that skims across the surface of frozen water, revealing every ripple and imperfection in the ice.

Read the reflection →
By Margaret Holt

The Weight of the Surface

In the study of fluid dynamics, there is a concept known as surface tensionβ€”the elastic-like force that allows a water strider to walk upon a pond without breaking through. It is a fragile equilibrium, a membrane of molecular attraction that holds the world at bay.

Read the reflection →

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