I can't believe you got nearly the exact same position - definitely the same as far as the head/eye/beak is concerned. You must have amazing patience! All that said, I think I prefer the original. That doesn't mean this one didn't score very well, though. Nice work, as you always do.
I didn't vote in this challenge the first time, but for sure I would have voted high your original picture. Light is better in this second take though, it allows me to appreciate better all the details of this wonderful picture. Good job!!
Oh...I remember this amazing photo that looks a lot like one of mine :) Your first one was reeeeeeallly awesome, but this one is even a little better because of the look in the duck's eyes. I still love these birds in color. . .their color is so spectacular. . .but I absolutely LOVE this photo!!!! Kudos!!
I really like this, but I'm perplexed about why you went with b/w. I'd really like to see the colouration in the wings. Was this originally a b/w challenge maybe?