Barn Swallow

[Jim Crosswell]

This was taken this spring at my house. The swallows were making a nest and kept landing on a dock post. I stuck this Sumac cluster in the hollow post and took this image. It was hard to get a better BG due to my position on the dock. All C&Cs are welcome and appreciated.

Canon 1DV MK IV
500L f4
1.4 Extender
ISO 1600
1/640s
f8
Tripod
Manual Mode

[gail bisson]

This is lovely.
Like the windblown look and comp. Perfect "look back" pose
No nits from me!
Gail

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Jim, the berries are very striking, love it as a perch. Good detail and the windswept plumage adds a cool touch to the subject with nice detail overall, DoF for me looks spot on. Nothing you could have done about the backdrop, so I think in this instance it does provide good separation albeit minimal/stark.

TFS
Steve

[David Salem]

I really like the high key BG with the nice colors of this beauty. The sumac perch adds some more nice color also and the exposure and details look great.
Very nice Jim

[Grace Scalzo]

Beautiful image, Jim. Two tiny suggestions...I would like a bit more space on the right for him to look in to and there is a small dust spot above your signature. Love the colorful perch.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Wonderful pose and perch. Great idea and use of the Sumac cluster. The windswept feathers adds plenty to the image, and I like the BG as well.




Geoffrey

[Karl Egressy]

Excellent image, Jim. Love the pose and the perch is one of my favorites.

[William Dickson]

All been said Jim, such a lovely frame. Well done.

Will

[Daniel Cadieux]

Unusual perch for the species, but it adds a nice shape and good colours to the image. Good thinking in seeing the repeating behaviour of the swallows and adapting the situation in your favour.

[Jim Crosswell]

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions.

[keith mitchell]

Simple and perfect is the way I see this Jim,like it a lot.

Keith.