This is my first post. I never have had a photo critiqued. I don't even know really what I'm doing. I haven't ever taken a photography class. I just love taking pictures. Also, I am using a Canon S410.

Hi. I'm fairly new here too. You have a pretty shot. My only suggestions would be to crop off the front three ducks because it's too dark up there. Also, maybe play with the contrast a little and see if you can lighten up the remaining ducks without lightening the water too much more.

And welcome to this site and the amazing world of photography.This is a nice picture and sharp image.When shooting moving objects it is good to leave a space in the frame on the right in this case, so we can see where they are going.In other words frame them as they are entering the shot rather than leaving.This will be a more pleasing shot to the eye.
Good first attempt and please show us more.
Bobby

This is my first post. I never have had a photo critiqued. I don't even know really what I'm doing. I haven't ever taken a photography class. I just love taking pictures. Also, I am using a Canon S410.
Well you have a good start. I like the formation of ducks as well as the pattern of the waves, both undisturbed and in the ducks wake.

I wouldn't crop it, and I like Bobby's advice to show where the ducks are going. I hadn't thought of that. In this shot the ducks are backlit, because water can reflect light as if it's the light source, so in the future keep that in mind. I like the exposure of the water but the ducks are a bit dark. You could have used fill flash, or you could have exposed for the ducks and let the water wash out a bit.