Song Sparrow Heralding Spring...

[Daniel Cadieux]

In these parts this species is the earliest returning sparrow during spring migration (if you don't count the juncos which are part of the sparrow family). A great song to hear in urban areas in the earliest spring days, along with the robins and the suddenly louder and more conspicuous cardinals. This one, however, was photographed in a more "wild" area, along a local nature trail. Coaxed onto the perch via audio.

Canon 7D + 100-400L @400mm, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/200s., f/6.3, ISO 800 (settings histogram checked), natural light, handheld, dodged lower part of body and part of face (lores) which were both shadowed somewhat despite the flat light. FF.

[gail bisson]

Really lovely "bird on a stick" image. I like the flat light and your PP work with the dodge tool. Classic clean BG and good HA and look at the bird's topside. I like the perch with the curvy lines and the little bit of wispy material on the lower branch.
Gail

[jack williamson]

Well processed sparrow with a complimentary bg, sharp. I like the old worn out perch.

Jack

[Robert Holguin]

Very nice shot. I really like the pose, wonderful background, great perch, and excellent feather detail.
Well done.

[Frank Schauf]

Beautiful portrait, great pose and colours.

[Sachin Saraf]

Wow for ISO 800 this one looks pretty clean and you did great to get it sharp at 1/200s. Loved the pose and HA...That BG is superb.

[Arthur Morris]

Sharp and sweet, and yes, where is that famous 7D noise that everyone complains about. How is the article coming? How is married life treating you?

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the pose, perch, composition and complimentary BG. Well done Daniel!