Tree Swallow stretching his wing

[Rodney Flowers]

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/%7Eflowersr/Critiques/April2010/20100612Tree_Swallow-_MG_1334-Web.jpg
I found some cooperative Tree Swallows last week. I took this picture as he was stretching his wing. Let me know what you think.
Canon EOS 7D Canon EF600mm f/4 IS L USM with Canon 1.4x II teleconverter
ISO 400
f/8 @ 1/640sec

[Randy Stout]

Rodney:

Impressive wing for such a little guy. Nicely exposed.

I wish the back wing was a bit sharper, since it is such an important component of the image. I know you were already at f/8, but if time allowed, it might have been interesting to push it up a bit. You might have been able to push up the ISO to get a bit more flexibility here.

I usually like to frame fairly loose, but might consider a very small, 20% or so crop in from the left.

Cheers

Randy

[Mark Dumbleton]

I like the crop as presented. I do agree with Randy regarding the "softish" back wing. I think f/11 or f/16 might have worked. Love that background and perch. Super pose of the bird, and well done on the exposure.

[Dumay de Boulle]

I think this is great. The back wing doesnt bug me to much at all. I think the exposure, detail and BG are great. Nicely done Rodney!