Red-flanked blue tail.

[Dave Johnson]

This is a young Red-flanked blue tail male which is over wintering at a local bird park. The colors on the back change from the greyish blue we see here to a much more vivid blue in adult males. Charming little birds, full of character.

Tripod, 1DX, 500F4 ii, fill flash at -2 2/3, F5.6, 1/80, ISO 800.

Thanks for looking.

[Daniel Cadieux]

What a sweet little bird, a first for me. Great colours, and quite sharp despite the very low SS (the 1DX can be pushed for even higher ISOs when needed). Tasteful flash work. I like the BG for the most part, but the paler oof area behind the subject is unfortunate. Barring any obstacles between you and the bird (and had the time) could have physically modified your position to get that spot out of the way?

[Karl Egressy]

Lovely bird, nicely captured.

[arash_hazeghi]

Dan hit all the points, I like the bird but I also find the bright spot in the BG a bit distracting. I'd remove the OOF twig as well

TFS