Hungry Pileated Woodpeckers.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I've been busy lately, with no time to re-visit the nests that I had found earlier except this one. The young have now fledged (which I did not witness) but I was able to photograph the family on a couple of occasions before they did. Another week to go before I can head out, so hopefully one of the other potential nest sites will still have activity until then!

Canon 7D + 500mm f/4 II + 1.4TC, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/1600s., f/7.1, ISO 800, natural light, handheld, small crop for comp, some burning and dodging to tame the light that was starting to get harsh.

[Randy Stout]

Daniel:

This one really brings back memories, as I had a pileated nest in my woods a number of years ago, and spent a lot of hours in a natural blind watching them interact.

I like the balance of elements here. Enough trunk to tell the story, without being overpowering, the separation of the adults head, color in bg.

Perhaps the whites could go a bit brighter.

Cheers

Randy

[Mike Poole]

I love interaction shots like these, nice work. A bit of a shame the second youngster wasn't at the front as he has a great crest on him, but not exactly under your control!

Nice PP work, the light was obviously getting a bit harsh, but it doesn't show through in your presentation

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Daniel - Great interaction and a fun image. Nice control of the reds in the bright light too.

TFS,
Rachel

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I like the comp the three hungry mouths all screaming to be fed.
While the light is a bit strong, I don't mind. I would have not hesitated to press the shutter myself. It's still an excellent natural history moment Daniel.
TFS!

[Warren Spreng]

Great interactive shot, details look great!

[William Dickson]

Great, pleasing to look at image. The facial expressions are priceless. Details etc spot on as usual Good work Dan

Will

[gail bisson]

This is special Daniel.
Normally I dislike images taken in strong light but I really like this.
The bright colorful color palette is great and looks so nice in this light. you got excellent DOF on the 3 chicks. Nice that the eyes are at least partially visible on all 3 chicks.
I like your comp but might add a slice on the bottom to include the entire left rear toe.
Gail

[dankearl]

You did well with the light, great subjects helps a lot........

[Bill Nuttall]

wonderful

[Karl Egressy]

Great interaction shot, excellent IQ and comp. Daniel.

[arash_hazeghi]

very cute Dan, I like everything but wish for a bit softer light