Gila Woodpecker

[Nathan Nitzky]

Gila Woodpecker female, Gilbert Water Ranch

Nikon D300s, 500mm f/4P, 1/1250 sec f/7.1 Spot metering, manual exposure, slight crop to balance composition - full frame had too much sky in the upper left.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1270/4695436244_2e1e9aef00_b.jpg

[Sid Garige]

Very nice habitat image. A story teller.

[Fabs Forns]

I find so much perch a bit distracting although interesting, maybe because it has so much contrast. I see more focus on the flower by her tail than in the bird itself. Thanks for sharing this, I had never seen the bird!

[Keith Carver]

Thanks for sharing this Gila Woodpecker, Nathan. Agree with Fabs about bird being slightly behind the focal point. Also, it might help if you removed the distracting dried cactus flower just below her throat. Love the red flower pulp in her beak. Keep 'em coming, you've got a state full of beautiful desert birds.

[Dan Busby]

Nice job of exposing the bird against that sky, and nice detail and eye catch. I find the other colors and detail competing for my attention but it serves to show this bird in its habitat. The item in its mouth emphasizes the connection with habitat. Well done Nathan.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Nathan Agree with suggestions particularly the perch, would also tone down the blue in saturation !! .. maybe using a converted and going tighter !!