Theme - Ruffled Feathers

[Paul Lagasi]

Over the past few years after a serious local forest fire, we've been treated to an influx of Black-backed Woodpeckers. This local female has been putting on a show for birders and photographers alike.
I caught up with her yesterday and it was no exception, she posed for me for about 30 minutes. This is one of the better ones.

I used a Nik B & W, "overexposure effect and lightened the white spot on her throat.

Ciao for now, off to the dentist, yuck...will comment on images on my return.

[Dennis Bishop]

Very nicely captured. The feathers . . . Was it windy, or is that typical of black-backed woodpeckers? They really demand attention. You said you used an overexposure effect. Was it really underexposure? It sure fits with a black-backed bird and the burned trees, but I wonder about lightening it a bit.

[Paul Lagasi]

Yes...lolol..you got me Dennis, Underexposure it was....They fluff up there feathers as all birds do from time to time, I just got lucky with this. I did lighten it up a bit, I was trying to stick with the theme ...thanks for comment

[Nancy Bell]

Lucky you to have Black-backed Woodpeckers in the neighborhood! Perfect woodpecker pose on the side of a tree and great head angle. I would consider lightening up the bird some, especially those fluffy feathers that surround her. Since the tree is burned, dark is good.

[Judy Howle]

LOVE this one Paul! Woodpeckers are my favorite birds but I've never seen one of those, must not come to MS. Excellent processing. I agree with Nancy's suggestion.

[Paul Lagasi]

It's unanimous...lighten I did, thanks for comments.

[Dennis Bishop]

I like this version a lot, Paul, and it still fits the theme very nicely.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

I love all the fluffy feathers Paul. I like the lightened version, and it still fits the theme. Are they looking for bugs or making a nest?

[Paul Lagasi]

Hi Jackie, enjoying the lovely weather, I managed to get out for a game of golf yesterday. The Black-backed Woodpecker is a burnt tree specialist, they feed on the bugs under the burnt bark, when looking for them newly burnt forest is a great place to start. Wow, my tongue is hot after using burnt so much.

[Anita Bower]

Great feathers on this woodpecker. I like the b&w rendition. I'd go for something between the op and the lighter one.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Hi Jackie, enjoying the lovely weather, I managed to get out for a game of golf yesterday. The Black-backed Woodpecker is a burnt tree specialist, they feed on the bugs under the burnt bark, when looking for them newly burnt forest is a great place to start. Wow, my tongue is hot after using burnt so much.

Thanks for the info, stay away from hot sauce for awhile:)