Carolina Chickadee on Pine Branch

[Bill Dix]

Looking through my files for b&w birds, I came across this one from a year and a half ago. It's now 100 degrees F. outside, so it feels good just to look at this. Back when this was shot, I posted an image of a Northern Cardinal on the same perch, taken out of my back door 5 minutes before this one. The cardinal made a nice Christmas card, but in a way I like this one better -- the pine cones and snow reinforce just how small and vulnerable a chickadee (my favorite bird) really is. I've upgraded both my equipment and my PP skills since then, but I'd appreciate your comments.

D90, 80-400 VR @ 220mm, ISO 640, 1/160s @ f/8, tripod. 95% of FF.

[gail bisson]

Hi Bill,
I really like this. Very simple and elegant. Lovely "small in the frame" image.
I really like how the pine needles splay out like a fan.
3 always works well in an image as shown by the pine cones. I also like the monochromatic fell to the image.
If i had one wish it would be that your SS was faster to truly freeze the snow flakes.
Gail

[arash_hazeghi]

very nice image Bill. I like the snow, needles and pine shows how delicate the bird is

[Marina Scarr]

Very pleasing image and like seeing the snow on the tree, cones and falling. Comp works nicely.

[laurie golden]

Very, very nice composition - and everything else important too. The scene is so important and you have done a great job of putting this together.

[dankearl]

A knockout photo Bill, just exceptional. A Christmas card!

[Rachel Hollander]

Bill - I agree with the above comments. Very nice wintery scene and the falling snow adds to it. Good pose and tones too.

TFS,
Rachel

[christopher galeski]

nice image Bill,nice composition,agree its like a chrismas card.thanks.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Sweet shot. I like everything about it.