pileated twins

[allanrube]

These siblings were looking in all directions waiting for a parent to arrive with food. They eventually both looked the same way.

Nikon D800E with 800mm and 1.25 tc.
1/400 wide open (7.1) iso 1600

142048

[Marina Scarr]

You did well with a difficult lighting situation. Love seeing them both looking the same way, and you have great texture in the bark. I would burn the right chicks head and neck a bit.

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the closeup view and details but I wish the lightning was better, the shadows have caused blown whites for the right chixk while the blacks that are in the shade are blocked. there is a slight green cast.

TFS

[Mike Poole]

Great pose of a very interesting subject. I'd like to see a little bit more room on the left of the frame if possible, but other than that it's a shot I like a lot

[allanrube]

Thank for the comments. I made a few changes - did it help.
1. I made the luminance and contrast of the two heads closer to each other
2. Toned down the whites in the bird on the right
3. Tried removing some green cast
4. I had no room on the left so I took a bit off the right

142081

[Satish Ranadive]

Magnificent close up. I like the way both are looking in the same direction. Nice colors and sharpness.
Repost looks better.Nice composition too.

Regards,
Satish.

[Gary Hamilton]

I love these birds and the re-post looks very nice. Just curious: how high was the nest and were you on the ground or elevated while taking this image?

[allanrube]

Gary, I am not good at estimating heights. I would guess 25-30 feet off the ground. I had my tripod on the ground. Due to other small branches that were in the way this was just about the only spot I could locate to get a clean shot.

[Gary Hamilton]

Thanks. I have the same issue with all those little branches in the woods behind my house. I think I need to start using a ladder (or a saw-LOL) because the only good spot on the ground is too close to the tree in question and the images would have too much of an upward angle to them.

[allanrube]

I do know what you mean. That is too often the case.