Male Downy Woodpecker.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I posted one of these last week, but here is an even better one IMO. I prefer this image to the other due to the better profile view and the gnarly weathered old birch tree. FF, but I wish it was not because there is no room to comfortably crop to alternative ratios if the need arises.

Canon 7D + 500mm f/4 II + 1.4TC, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/1600s., f/7.1, ISO 800 (settings histogram checked), natural light, handheld, FF, eye work (darken pupil). Subject attracted to suet cake nearby.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the HA, details, IQ, perch, and BG. The peeling birch bark pulls my eye a little. Excellent image Daniel.

[Roy Priest]

Dan, very nice image. I agree with Jim re: the peeling bark. Our Downies are much greyer than yours.

[christopher galeski]

nice image,nice pose and detail in the bird,good BG,love the gnarly part of the perch,not keen on the peeling bark.

[WillieHall]

nice capture of the bird, but I have to agree, my eye went to the peeled bark and can't stay away. I have several birch trees near me and can't wait till one of my many woodpeckers will land there for a cool background. But, I like birch bark and it may be very meaningful to you...thats photography

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Daniel, this is so awesome. Very nicely exposed subject and wonderful composition. I have one question for you. Why not use ISO 400 with the 7D since you had the SS as the IQ could be even better (less PP work on the 7D file)?

[Dave Johnson]

Shame there isn't more room for crop options Dan. Bark issue aside, I think this is a great H/H effort. Exposure, sharpness, bkg all great.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Thanks guys! That peeled bark is appealing to me, but I understand what you mean too. Perhaps darkening the darker parts of it would be an option to explore...

[Karl Egressy]

Excellent pose and details you captured, Daniel.

[Holger Leyrer]

Very nice picture, Daniel. Perfect exposure. Nice details and background. I love the perch.

[Greg Oakley]

Super detail and pose Daniel - agree that the white bark could be toned down

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Daniel, another fine image! The bark isn't ideal, but I don't think it detracts from the details in the downy. Keep em coming!

[David Salem]

Totally agree with the comments. Killer image but the bark sticks out a bit. I really like these little WPKrs and you did well capturing him.