Leucistic Scrub Jay

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Greetings. This Scrub Jay has been around our neighborhood for about a year now. I think there may be offspring with the leucism but haven't seen them together so I can't know for sure. This one (if it is the same one) has developed a little more color but in the same pattern so it may be the same bird.



D4 300f/2.8 + TC20EIII (600mm) 1/1000 f/5.6 ISO2000 manual HH in the shade
LR conversion with some + exposure, nr, sharpening, painted over white rocks and specks, cropped to about 60% of original

Thanks for looking.

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Jeannean Ryman]

Very interesting looking bird Michael. Might try some shadow adjustment to bring up the eye/beak. I would also clone out the leaf by the tail. Here's a quick rework with the suggestions done in CS5 using a content aware fill and curves adjustment:

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Michael,

The repost is good removing shadows and distracting objects can really help a photograph. In my opinion birds photographed on the ground usually are not that compelling, lets see what others say. I have photographed many many birds on the ground and never been satisfied with the results - maybe its me?

I do love this species a real family bird, the whites seem in check and the food in the mouth is a plus - well done. Just seems like a better background would significantly improve things. Remember to work the subject and try to find a foreground/background that complements the subject. Keep em coming.

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Jeannean, Jeff,

Thanks much for the comments. They are much appreciated.

Jeannean, yeah, the leaf should go and the shadows brought up a abit on the head... I like your repost. Thanks for your efforts.

Jeff, yeah, the ground... I've been trying to get a good shot of this bird for a little over a year since he started visiting my back yard. Surprising how infrequent the opportunities are (good light, perch, bg, camera in hand, etc.).

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Keep working the subject as you know it is not easy to get a stunning picture - your work continues to improve - keep it up.

[Bob Miller]

Michael...the repost looks good! i would try adding a vignette after darkening the top