Walking up the stalk.

[Daniel Cadieux]

The Grasshopper Sparrow was usually quite stationary once on a selected perch, but it caught me by surprise as it proceeded to walk up. I don't mind the blurred foot here for the sense of sudden movement it gives :-) I am however on the fence for that piece of hanging bark...easy to get rid of if I decide to:D

Canon 40D + 100-400L @400mm, Aperture priority, 1/1000s., f7.1, ISO 400, no EC, handheld, about 85% full-frame.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w98/dancad/tn_GrasshopperSparrow_5916-01.jpg

[Doug Brown]

I agree with your assessment of the photo Daniel. I'd remove the piece of hanging bark if it were mine. Like the exposure, sharpness, and BG.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the light, details and BG. The hanging bark doesn't bother me.

[Jim Fenton]

Grasshopper sparrows are tough, so I really appreciate this shot.

I might have lost the hanging bark, but I don't find it a detraction.

What I find suprising was that 1/1000 was insufficient to stop the leg motion?

[Arthur Morris]

Way cool on the walking action. I actually like the bit of hanging bark as it balances with the bird. What bugs me the most is the semi-raised wing; it would have been so much better with the wing in its normal folded position. IAC, you did the best that you could.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

I really like the pose and bg!!!

[Stephen Stephen]

Nice capture Dan. If I'm right I caught the same action but I didn't have as good an angle as you did.