On the east coast, these birds winter in the north and are often in non-breeding plumage. These sea ducks are usually found in areas that are tough to photograph and don't offer a lot of great composition and or backgrounds. Even with good looks, they are generally on the sea without a lot to offer. Most of my pictures of this species were the same, until this opportunity presented itself. Away from their usual areas, a couple of Eiders found a cove on the bayside, where waters are calmer and I was able to frame them up against a backdrop of winter marsh grass. Only had 2 minutes with them, but got a shot I really like. Notice how the non-breeding colors almost exactly mimic the grasses behind? Considered myself lucky to happen on this scene by just pulling over into an area that looked interesting.
NJ 2021

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Make:	NIKON CORPORATION
Model:	NIKON D850
Exposure:	1/5000 sec
Aperture:	f/4.0
ISO Speed:	640
Focal Length:	500 mm
Lens:	500.0 mm f/4.0