GSW - Is the coast clear?

[Mike Poole]

I've been watching a Great Spotted Woodpecker nest now for a few weeks, and as the adults have become more accustomed to me being around, they are now happy for me to stand within easy shooting distance - in fact they will perch closer to me than I can get to shoot due to branches in the way from certain angles. This is the male (you can't see the red nape on this one though) peeping out before flying off for more snacks. By the behaviour of the pair I'm pretty sure the little ones will be fledging soon - hopefully not whilst I'm on holiday as I want some shots!

Canon 7d2
500mm f4 is + 1.4x ii
ISO 1000
1/125th f6.3

[William Dickson]

Nice close-up Mike. Great details on the bird, I like the way it is 'peeping' out it's hole. Hope you are around when the chicks arrive. That should be fun. Thanks for sharing

Will

[John Robinson]

Good stuff Mike
What's the tree???
John

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the details, exposure and tight composition. Nice image Mike and look forward to seeing more.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Mike , very pleasing tight peek a boo shoot of this guy .Like the overall tones and colors , and you have some nice detail in the frame.
I might clone out out the blown HL on the left side .

TFS Andreas

[keith mitchell]

Mike the detail and exposure on this birds head must be very close to perfect.

Keith.

[Charlene Bacchioni]

Fantastic detail and color Mike.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Mike, great close up of this WP, and I like your comp with the WP looking out into space.

[Mike Poole]

Good stuff Mike
What's the tree???
John

The wife, who is the household gardening expert, tells me it is a birch

Cheers

Mike

[Mike Poole]

Thanks for looking everyone, all comments appreciated

regards

Mike

[Marina Scarr]

This is a killer image. Wonder if it's possible to give it a tad more room on the bottom to include the bottom edge of the cavity.

[Mike Poole]

This is a killer image. Wonder if it's possible to give it a tad more room on the bottom to include the bottom edge of the cavity.

Thanks Marina - there is a bit more frame below which shows all the cavity. The reason I chose this crop was there is quite a lot of clutter around the nest, and I was trying to retain a landscape format, as for some reason square shots don't always seem to be well received.

I don't mind squares personally, so this may well be one of those instances where I should have gone with my instinct rather than try and do what I thought others would prefer.

regards

Mike