These guys seem to be happiest as bottom feeders. They don't come to the feeders but will occasionally approach the water drip, very cautiously, and I think that caution shows here. This is the first time I've seen them on an open perch. This one is a bowed branch attached at both ends to a deck railing, but with tree cover above it. I assume it's a juvenile, from the looks of the mouth and some feathers growing out under the eye. I think I see more juveniles at the water than adults.
Canon 5D3, 600mm II, ISO 1600, f/10, 1/640 sec. Wimberley II on big Gitzo. Clearing morning fog. Basic processing in LR and in PS just did a quick mask to lighten the face a little, and toned down some yellow on the right edge. Sharpened judiciously with Focus Magic. Hugs and kisses to whomever mentioned it in some forum here a couple of months ago. It's wonderful!
C&C always appreciated!
Last edited by Diane Miller; 08-21-2014 at 07:08 PM.
Hey Diane, sweet exposure on a contrasty bird. Details and BG look good. I am not a fan of he perch. Then again, I know how hard it is to get a spotted towhee off the ground and out in the open. One thing you might do is tone down the brightest areas on the perch.
Lovely image, Diane! In addition to the bird, I like the OOF leaves in the BG, which add some nice context. I agree with Aidan about the perch (bisecting the tail feathers) and the highlights. There also seems to be a bit of a magenta color cast on the perch coming through on my monitor.
Great clean background and exposure, sharp detail. I would just take some off the bottom and maybe not such a tight crop. I think it would be stronger if you add more space if you have it...But still a very nice image!
Hi Diane, I am not familiar with the species but always exciting to get a difficult bird out in the open. Well done. The bird is beautifully exposed with super detail as always. And I really like the BG. The perch however is not my favourite. Toning it down will help but I also find the white splodges a bit distracting. Have an awesome weekend!
Thanks, everyone! The perch does need some work (he was supposed to land on the top of the arch, well to the left). I agree on the magenta cast -- will tweak the master file, and keep trying for a better pose.
Spotted Towhee
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