Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

[Karl Egressy]

This is a full frame.
I don't know if it works for you.
I left it full frame as it is rare to get so cloce to one.
I moved the active focus point to the top row right, so it would sit on the head area but the tail won't be cut (sat right below the eye.)
Thanks for looking.

Canon 1D MIV
Canon 500 f4.0 L IS
ISO 800
1/250
f 7.1
fill flash
(forest environment)

[gail bisson]

This is really nice.
The eye looks terrific and the BG is beautiful and complimentary.
The slightly ruffled throat feathers and open beak look great.
Gail

[Steve Canuel]

Another beauty of this species. I like how the flecks of green on the twig tie into the color of the BG, which really makes the bird stand out.

[Diane Miller]

Gorgeous. Great detail in the darks and lights.

[PhilCook]

Super sharp shot all over Karl, great eye and I like the green shoot on the right as well....not as fond of the tree trunk on the left though. Slightly open beak and ruffled neck feathers add a lot, flash work has done nicely to illuminate the bird..bright but not blown.

[Peter Dexter]

Very nice capture of the Grosbeak. I'm uncomfortable with the tree trunk leaning into the photo. I think it's an awkward detail and I would eliminate it.

[Robert Holguin]

Very nice shot.
Wonderful green background, nice perch, excellent details, and great comp.
Well done.

[David Salem]

Wow Karl, Thats a nice FF shot. Tons of detail and looks like the exposure is right on. Love the colors and the smooth BG. Another great shot of this species!!

[Girish Prahalad]

superb image! great IQ, BG & colors.

[Karl Egressy]

Thank you all.
For the sake of those of you whom did not like the tree trunk, I created this version.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Exposure, details, colours all look good. I'd have preferred a better head angle and more room at right (by pointing the lens as such). Nice "fresh" look to the green BG.

[Jeannean Ryman]

Karl, I like your repost. Less distraction from the beautifully exposed Grosbeak. Well done.

[Corey Hayes]

I like both version, nice work.

[Peter Dexter]

That's a winner Karl!

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Hey amigo! repost is way better! love the sharpness and light. One of my all-time favorite bird!

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image of another beauty of this species, Karl. Love the pose,colors, great details and very nice perch and BG.
I an trying one more composition.AS soon as it is ready ,I will post it.

Regards,
Satish.

[Satish Ranadive]

Sorry for late posting due to internet problem.I hope you will like it.Please let us know whether do you like it or not.



Regards,
Satish.