Hoary Redpoll

[AlvanBuckley]

In Southern Ontario we're having an irruption of Common Redpolls and as I came across a flock of Common Redpolls I searched through them for the rarer Hoary Redpoll species. The Hoary looks very similar with the main differences being that it has less pronounced streaking along the sides and the bill is stubby.

I found this one on the snow feeding and flicking bits of seed around. That's why he has snow on his beak.

I cloned out some twigs in the background and a few spots of dirt on the snow.

ISO 400
+.33 ev
f/5.6
SS 1/1250
Nikon D300s + VR 80-400 @ 400mm

C&C always appreciated!
thanks in advance
-Alvan Buckley

[Arthur Morris]

Nicely designed but several stops too dark. And too blue. Fixed all that and then lightened the black around the face and bill :)

[Arthur Morris]

2nd try on WHITER :e3

[Craig Brelsford]

Your shot is interesting as an ornithological documentary. Artie's tweaks improve it aesthetically.

[Nico Steenberg]

Great low angle and exposure. I like the comp and DOF.

[James Shadle]

Alvan,
I noticed you used an exposure bias of +.33 .
With the dull light and white background, an exposure bias of(depending on camera)+1.66 to +2.33 would be needed to properly expose this image in camera.