Female Bobolink, after all the critique from you all :-D

[Charles Daigle]

So, I've posted two other versions of this image, and now here is my "last" attempt at it. Of course, you'll still have some nits, but that's why I am posting here :-) I've taken the cumulative knowledge of what I've learned on here, and applied it to yet a different "version" of this image.

Canon 7D, 300/2.8 IS I, 2XII, f8, ISO800, 1/1600th.

Here's what I've done to the image
1)Crop about 30% off of the original image
2)Adjust WB for daylight
3)Sharpen the bird selectively
4)Apply some NR to the BG
5)Burn the Bill of the bird
6)Burn the bright flower in the BG
7)Increase contrast & clarity a bit
8)Burn a few more highlights
9)Sharpen for web

I left out all adjustement to the eye, as I feel it makes the bird look unrealistic.

How did I do?

[PhilCook]

Liking the grassy perch and composition on this one, the drooping seed head balances the image well I feel. Nice light and alert posture with theye engaging the viewer which is a plus for me as well ...to be extra fussy I would apply. one more round of noise reduction to the background

[Ofer Levy]

Nicely composed image. I like the light, colours, composition, pose and eye contact. I see quite a lot of noise though on the bird and BG.

[Charles Daigle]

Thanks so much guys.

I will run some more NR on the BG and I think I sharpened the bird a little too much.

Regards,

Charles

[gail bisson]

Very nice image Charles.
The only problem has already been mentioned ie. NR.
The composition is good and you have a nice perch and BG as well.
In a perfect world the head would be looking a bit more towards you. Love how well you can see the feet and the way the leaves splay open on the left of the bird.
Well done,
Gail