stradled

[John Chardine]

At this time of year, the newly returned male Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) are in territory defense mode and this one was actively chasing another male in the vicinity. With my friend and BPN member Dan Busby, we called this bird out with a song recording.

I had to do major work on OOF branches in this image. I masked out the offending branches, inverted the selection and blurred, then touched up with the clone tool, and the blur tool for noise. I also removed a flash highlight from the eye.

Comments welcome.

Date: 3 May, 2010, Time: 13:45h
Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x @ 700 mm
Program: Manual
ISO 1600, 1/640s, f/7.1
Exp. comp.: 0.0
Flash: on, Flash exp. comp.: -1.4

[Alfred Forns]

Hi John Got to like the pose and footwork !! Sharp and good image quality Like the PS work !!!

Focus point on these little guys makes a difference and you nailed it, right around the eye !! Excellent !!

[Randy Stout]

John:

Nice post work, sharp on eye, well exposed.

I could see this with some cropped off the left. His gaze is such that I don't think you need this much room on the left. Personal taste really.

cheers

Randy

[John Chardine]

Thanks guys. I'll try the crop that Randy suggested.

[Dave Leroy]

Lovely looking pose and I really like the habitat. It adds a lot to the photo.
It seems just a tad tight on bottom.

[James Salywoda]

Great Shot John I like the pose captured this is really pretty nicely done.