I definitely see how you came up with the title. Looks like the ducks are playing follow the leader in the rain ... they must of been moving quickly. Very nice black & white contrasts & the dark shadows of the ducks caught my eye as well. I'd like to see a bit more detail, but as you mentioned lighting conditions were dark & I myself know about the 'no time' part to readjust camera settings ... that is understandable. Wonderful capture Doug.

Nice line of the ducks going diagonally across the screen!! Great job!

Oh my. Are you telling us that this is your only non-dead leaf shot left in the bin? I'm headed to Wal-Mart to get some rope to hang myself.

This is a very strange scene that you've captured, Doug. Unless it was very windy, I can't guess why the ducks would have their wings like that. The last duck is wearing a button that says, "I Like Ike"; so they're very conservative left wingers. By the way, I like the shot, the title and the narrative.

Dorothy

This is a cute one in my book, I like the single file capture.
Tigs♥ =^..^=

You are right that the content of this photo more than compensates for any possible technical shortcomings. What a unique capture! That step down increases its appeal also. But the dark atmosphere, alas, does not boost my spirits much after that dead leaf shot. Are you sure these ducks weren't marching in its funeral procession?

Despite all technical and environmental difficulties this is very good B&W photo. Great composition.

Tanju

I love all the textures - the ruffled feathers, dry cobblestones in the foreground, wet/pubbled cobblestonesin the bakground. B&W captures the shadows perfectly. Forget technical stuff...it's superb just the way it is.