A simple Common Redpoll image.

Still taking advantage of these guys before they head back up north. A pure unicolour BG would have made this image a little less than exciting, but the marbling colours add some interest back there IMO :-) Light angle was coming from behind-left, but a proper head angle helped in getting the face evenly lit.

Canon 40D + 100-400L @400mm, aperture priority, evaluative metering, 1/640s., f/7.1, ISO 500, +0.3 EC, handheld, just about full-frame.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...ll_1586-01.jpg

I love the perch, pose, head angle and eye contact. Your lighting is good as is your feather detail. I like the way you framed this one. The marbled BG is not a problem IMO except for that patch of blue in the upper left corner which I suggest you clone out. Good job, this is an excellent image of this species. I have enjoyed seeing the various images/compositions you have come up with for the species over the winter as well as your advice on my own backyard perch setup.

P.S. Did you use fill flash?

Daniel:

I like it. I think Joel hit all the high points, and I would agree about the blue area in upper left. I like the idea of a little color, but its different enough and distinct enough that it draws my eye.

It seems funny to say they will be heading back up north. Even in Michigan, we think of Canada as being pretty far up north already!

Cheers

Randy

Looks pretty good, Daniel. Love the pose and head turn. The blue spot could go but it is not a concern for me. I would have used a bit more sharpening.

I like the light, head turn and composition. Another vote for more sharpening and removing of the blue patch.

Simple but perfect image. The perch doesn't make me mad but the complementary bg is a real plus.
The bird is nice with that pose. Would go for a slight selective sharpening especially around the flank.

Szimi

I like the pose and head-turn, pretty bird too.