Black-Throated Blue Warbler

Canon 1D4
500mm
Gitzo 3530LS/Wimberley

ISO 1000
1/1000
f/4

Taken last July in the woods behind my house. No playback used, I just stalked this singer for a while one morning and was able to get close. We have a lot of BTBWs as well as Black Throated Greens in the state forest next to my house in summer, and the woods are full of their distinctive buzzy calls.
I liked the curve of the branch. Wish the tail were distinct from the branch.
Crop, sharpen, NR and I darkened the bright leaves on the right just a little.
Very much appreciate all comments and critiques.

In too like the curve of the branch, verging on a cut off heart shape with the branch on the left as well, angle is a bit steep but nice light and detail and do like the bird being framed by the branches and the oof leaves

I like the perch and the way it frames the bird. I think some of the BG is a little bright and distracting. I am thinking a tighter crop and toning down the BG may improve this. Cool little bird!

I actually like the loose composition and inclusion of leaves. I do wish the shooting angle wasn't quite so steep, and I'd try to bring down the white patch on the wing a little.

Agree with your self assessment here on the tail, and just love that branch. Really like the loose comp you chose here and the artistic feel to the image. I think you made lemonade.

Hi,

I like the overall feel of the picture, and the greens make me feel as if I'm in a dreamy Summer woodland (it's -25C with blowing snow here today, so I really like this!). But I too would wish for a less steep angle on the bird.

Richard

Melissa, very nice. I really like the way the branches frame the warbler , but I agree that it would be better if the tail was separated theo the branch.

Colin

Melissa, lovely image, like the perch and the head turned towords you. BG is really nice too. Wish the angle to be less steep though.<o:p></o:p>

I really like how this bird is framed with the leaves and the almost heart shape created by the branches. Agreed about the tail, darn. I like the pose and your choice of composition.