Waxwing drinking

[Ivan Ellison]

My first shot of the new year- I see some quality shots have already been put on here by you all.
This bird was one of a small flock feeding not far from me. The light was poor so I decided to go for some drinking shots instead of feeding shots. The birds were coming nicely untill a birder stood right next to the pool to take some shots of them in the sitty tree. I asked if he could move slightly - he said he didn't see me!! just shows the effectiveness of todays camo jackets.
Approx 30% crop, adjustments to lighting levels , brightened the whole shot, sharpened in ACR and again in PSE 10 . Used the burn tool to tone down the leaf in front on the right hand side of the bird- it was too bright and distracted slightly.
Canon 1D mkIV
Canon 500 f4 is
1/500 sec
f4
ISO 800
Tripod low down. IS used.

All the very best to you all for 2013 hope to see better weather this year.

[Arthur Morris]

I like this one a lot. Processing is spot on. I love the sharpness of the eye and the face. It looks like the bird is more alert than drinking! My only wish is that the tallest o-o-f plant were an inch to our left.

Have a great 2013.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Ivan, good low angle, and sharp where it counts. I like the detail and colours around the head, and the flying droplets add interest.

[Dennis Zaebst]

Nice colors and good low angle, Ivan. Very well done!