Red-bellied Woodpecker

This was taken at a local nature center earlier this month. All C&Cs are welcome and appreciated.

Canon 1D Mark IV
500L f4
ISO 1000
f8
1/400s
Tripod
Fill Flash

Hi Jim, looks like I am looking out our rear windows of the house. Nice image, like the white feathers on the birds chest and the foot hanging on tight. I might remove the tiny fill flash dot in the eye.

Gary.

Good shot, I'd probably remove the flash catchlight also. Very good use of flash, really nice feather detail.

Jim, lovely image, beautiful color and BG, tack sharp. The catch light doesn't bother me. Your fill flash technique is great.

Hi Jim, I like your vertical comp, works well, and the woodpecker is posed nicely against the smooth BG. Good use of fill flash, subtle, and I like the detail on both the woodpecker and tree. I would maybe try a version with a touch more contrast.

Wonderful sharpness, pose, soft light, and BKGR. I'd go for a bit less tree and a bit more room on the left. And just a bit of Eye Doctor work.

Nice detail, color and sharpness. All good suggestions above for taking this already great image up a notch.


TFS,
Rachel

Very nice! Some interesting options to explore above.....agree with Stuart that you could give it a touch more contrast but minor tweak to an excellent image.

Striking shot even in the thumbnail size, agree a bit more contrast may improve even more, but lovely profile shot and natural behavior

Excellent image, great sharpness and pose, Jim. I agree with having less tree and more space on the left.

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions. I will rework the image and see how it looks.

Terrific shot.
Excellent pose, very nice background, excellent details, and great flash work.
Very well done.

Very nice image of this male Red-bellied.

Loverly image Jim,beautiful light,nice pose,good detail.well done.