Eastern Bluebird

[Bill Dix]

I always thought this species was considered a harbinger of Spring, although they actually stick around here all winter. (I'm pitying them today with the temps hovering near zero.) A week or so ago I stopped to check out a small pond for waterfowl, and found a bush full of Bluebirds and other passerines at the pond's edge, eagerly scarfing up the last of the berry crop in preparation for the winter. They were mostly in the middle of the thicket, but this one perched in an open spot.

D7000, 700mm, ISO 1250, 1/2000s @ f/7.1 manual.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Lovely pose and feather deatils. The in-mouth berry adds a lot, as does the habitat depicted in the bg. Nice comp. A very lovely image.

[David Salem]

The detail and color are beautiful. The berry in the beak adds to the shot and even though the BG has a bit going on, the bird stands out perfectly. The head is very sharp and has a 3D look to it. Well done

[arash_hazeghi]

this is great love the light pose and the small berry. sharp details and a nice perch too

[gail bisson]

Hi Bill,
I like the bird and the berry. Great IQ and techs. The eye looks great.
BG is a bit busy especially the area just below the breast and throat and I might be tempted to evict that area. With that particular area gone I think the BG would show the birds' environment very well and add strength to the image.
Gail

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone. I had wondered whether to address the area beneath the breast and throat. Here's a version with a little cloning to tone down the BG there.

[gail bisson]

I think the repost is so much nicer. Well done Bill!

[Jim Crosswell]

Excellent image Bill! I like the sharpness, berry in beak, BG color and composition. Repost looks great.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Gail and Jim.

[Ashleigh Scully]

Hi Mr. Dix,

I have tried photographing bluebirds in a field near my home and I could only wish to ever get one this sharp. The feather detail is really well done. I like the oof berries too because it adds a neat layering of the bird's food and natural environment. Nice job too removing the distracting branch below the bird's chest. Bye!

[Bill Dix]

Thank you Ashleigh.

[Holger Leyrer]

Great colors and details. Love the berry in the beak
I think the repost looks better

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Holger.