Carolina Chickadee on Pine Branch

Looking through my files for b&w birds, I came across this one from a year and a half ago. It's now 100 degrees F. outside, so it feels good just to look at this. Back when this was shot, I posted an image of a Northern Cardinal on the same perch, taken out of my back door 5 minutes before this one. The cardinal made a nice Christmas card, but in a way I like this one better -- the pine cones and snow reinforce just how small and vulnerable a chickadee (my favorite bird) really is. I've upgraded both my equipment and my PP skills since then, but I'd appreciate your comments.

D90, 80-400 VR @ 220mm, ISO 640, 1/160s @ f/8, tripod. 95% of FF.

Hi Bill,
I really like this. Very simple and elegant. Lovely "small in the frame" image.
I really like how the pine needles splay out like a fan.
3 always works well in an image as shown by the pine cones. I also like the monochromatic fell to the image.
If i had one wish it would be that your SS was faster to truly freeze the snow flakes.
Gail

very nice image Bill. I like the snow, needles and pine shows how delicate the bird is

Very pleasing image and like seeing the snow on the tree, cones and falling. Comp works nicely.

Very, very nice composition - and everything else important too. The scene is so important and you have done a great job of putting this together.

A knockout photo Bill, just exceptional. A Christmas card!

Bill - I agree with the above comments. Very nice wintery scene and the falling snow adds to it. Good pose and tones too.

TFS,
Rachel

nice image Bill,nice composition,agree its like a chrismas card.thanks.

Thanks everyone.

Sweet shot. I like everything about it.