Chickadee with Attitude

[Bill Dix]

Taken last October at my feeders, in fading afternoon light . I did some pruning of the foliage. (See next pane.)

D7000, 700mm, ISO 1250, 1/320s @ f/7.1 manual, fill @ 0EV.



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[Bill Dix]

My wife prefers this version, before I did the pruning; but I thought less foliage offered less competition for the Chickadee. What do you think?

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Bill

You sure are good with the pruning tool in PS, that's for sure! I agree and like the cleaned up image a bit better. The outstretched wings is something different, too. I only wish the right wing were in front of the branch, but you can't ask for everything.

Miguel

[Marina Scarr]

What a terrific capture, Bill. Love the subtle colors and how they all work together so nicely. I understand the basis behind your pruning...it's a bit overwhelming for such a small bird. Your details and pose are really super. Love this one.

[Karl Egressy]

Bill, I really like this pose you captured so nicely.
It shows that a common bird can be a beautiful subject if it is done this well.

[PhilCook]

To be honest I'd have to flip a coin to decide between both images......just beautiful Bill. Light and fine detail is as good as it can get and the mutes colors of the leaves adds a lot without taking from the bird. If I was to be picky I'd suggest just a tiny bit of noise reduction on just the oof tail

[gail bisson]

This is very nice Bill.
I like both versions but if I had to pick I would go with the OP as it lets the bird shine through.If you are going to prune I would also get rid of the bare branch below and to the left of the bird.
I see some noise in the tail and would do a bit of NR on it. You wouldn't lose any detail as the tail is OOF anyway.
I love the detail and IQ of the face and neck and the lovely catchlight,
Gail

[Dan Busby]

I love the soft colours Bill. I would go with the OP because it seems better balanced to me. But both are very nice.

[dankearl]

I like the second version, the bird is large enough in the frame to still dominate for me and I like the Vegetation.

[Gary Kinard]

Both are beautiful. I like the bottom one the best.
That D7000 really has a nice sensor IMO. Great photo.

[Shawn Zierman]

Brilliant image of this behavior. It is not an easy behavior to capture this well.
I would be sooo happy with this. Your wife has a good eye, the image in pane#2,
is the superior image imo also. I love the visual complexity that all the foliage
provides.

[Greg Oakley]

Very nice Bill - superb behavioural shot,
Cheers, Greg

[Frank Schauf]

Beautiful and colorful image. Sharp and well composed.

[Gerald Kelberg]

Great pose and delightful image. These little guys can be really aggressive when they want to.

Prefer the OP for the pruning - nicely done.

Gerald

[Jack Breakfast]

Hi Bill, I much prefer the version without the "pruning" as it feels far more authentic and what's more, the image has a nicer balance with that fullness on the left. This is one of the more likeable bird pictures I've seen in a while. It's a combination of the bird's pose, the bird's details, the soft and lovely color palette and that sweet light that gives you the blacks and the whites. You are to be commended!

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone. Always glad to see the diversity of opinion.