Common Grackle

[Eric Patdu]

Hi,

This was taken last summer. I was waiting for Barn Swallows to land on this post when this one landed instead. The grackle didn't stay long but I managed to get a few shots.

Shooting Info: Canon 60D, EF 300mm f/4L IS + 1.4x, 1/160 sec, f/8.0, ISO 400

[Henry Domke]

The iridescent blues and bronzy colors of the bird work well against the chartreuse background.
The only thing lacking is bright gold in the eye. Is there a way to bring that out more?

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the sharpness, details and BG colour. What was the background? Nice image Eric.

[Holger Leyrer]

Great exposure and Details. Like the head position.
is just my opinion but i'd move the bird a tad more to the left. And between perch and right border more space with this beautiful BG

[Eric Patdu]

Thanks for the comments.

@Henry - I'm not sure how to bring out the golden eye as the RAW file also has a whitish eye. I'm not so good at adjusting colors in PP. :)

@Jim - The background is a small lake used for paddle boats and fishing.

@Holger - I agree with you. The perch should not have been cropped but that's all there is to it. I wasn't able to include the whole perch in the actual photo. This is actually the right most edge of the photo.

[Jim Crosswell]

Here is an alternate crop adding a little canvas on the right and top. Hope you like it.

[Eric Patdu]

Thanks Jim! Adding canvas to the right made the composition better. I like it.

[Marina Scarr]

Killer colors in this bird, although I feel the feathers are maybe a little oversharpened. Background is gorgeous. Wish he were on a better perch.