Female Gila Woodpecker

[Guerry Dalrymple]

This was one of several I shot last weekend. People liked this one so thought I would share it. I used some tips I got from a cretique of another shot on BPN. Thanks all

40D, 300 f4 IS, Kirk window mount with Wimberley 200. Live view w/programed rear button AF and a cable shutter release.
ISO 200, Av mode at f6.3, WB Daylight, Exposure Comp +3

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great find and the snacks add to it. Too bad the angle is so steep. I also wish for a bit more eye contact. You dialed in +3 for exposure compensation? That seems a lot.

[Maxis Gamez]

Hello,

I have to agree with Axel. I also think the colors are over saturated.

Thank you for sharing!

[Arthur Morris]

Hi Guerry, Welcome. Great to see you here. I love the three seeds in the bird's bill. When you are--out of necessity--working from well below your subject, it is vitally important that the bird's head be turned a bit toward you rather than away as here.

Either +3 stops is a typo or your camera's meter is miles off... Agree on the over-SAT; the blues are funky electric and there is way too much yellow.

Lastly, the Wimbreley 200 is way overkill for the 300 f/4. Do you own a longer lens?

[Guerry Dalrymple]

Thanks Mr. Morris. The +3 is wrong I need to check what it was. I don't have a longer lens yet. I'm hoping some used 500 or 600 f4s come available with the 800 coming out.

Guerry

[Arthur Morris]

Hi Guerry, Being in the chair, I think that a 600 would be too heavy and cumbersome. The 500 would seem ideal. Best of luck.