Pine Grosbeak foraging in the snow

[Charles Daigle]

So these grosbeaks have been in my backyard all winter. It's the first time in 10 years that they've been around and I've taken advantage of that!

Got down on the snow and captured this super windy day post snow storm birdy. Hence the blured ground due to blowing snow :-) The sun was out and really bright this day!

Thanks for looking!

Canon 500/4 IS
1.4x
7D
f8
1/2000
+2eV

[PhilCook]

To be cruelly honest this doesn't really work for me, the white misting on the bottom is a bit overpowering to the bird, the head could do with a bit more sharpen as well

[Charles Daigle]

Good morning Phil,

Thanks for the honest critique! That's why I posted!

[PhilCook]

Good morning Phil,

Thanks for the honest critique! That's why I posted!

Cheers Charles

[Daniel Cadieux]

How lucky to have these in your yard! Good exposure. I like the snow on the bill (rather than crushed berries) and you've got nice colours and details on the chest feathers (which also seems to be where critical focus was at, I'm sure an additional round of sharpening to the face would work well for web presentation). I like the low angle, but find the comp too tight. I see where you were going with the blowing snow, I think it would have worked better with visible snowflakes falling.

[Richard Stern]

Hi Charles,

I'm afraid it doesn't really work for me either - a looser crop, with the bird placed farther to the left, a bit more contrast on the bird, and a sharper head might do it though. I do like the bronze effect on the neck and breast.

Richard

[Charles Daigle]

Thanks everyone for the critique, I will see if I have another version with actual flying snow. This images is about 95% full frame, so the crop you see is what I have!