my Christmas tree topper!

[annmpacheco]

Rainy, drizzly, filtered light, flat light, nice progression when Gail and I decided to head North to Bernardo Wildlife Area about an hour from Bosque Del Apache NWR, NM. Cranes were present but the close ones had poor photographic opportunities, so we looked for anything else. It certainly seemed as though it was going to be a bust as I'd be hunkered down as well in this weather... However, Gail said the third time around the loop was going to be the charm and boy was she right. After the light rain the light got brighter and it was time for some birds to show. From the car windows we were delightfully blessed with the most cooperative Says Phoebe who showed itself closely on about a dozen perches. We crept along as she flew from one perch to another and we would position ourselves accordingly. No set ups, no audio, just persistence and luck!
Taken vertically, cropped, removed a small piece of branch to the left. Above the bill there is a sliver of white on the RAW and would prefer it not be there.

1Dx
840mm

ISO 1000
7.1
1/1250

[Isaac Grant]

Great pose and head angle. Color palette is beautiful. Top notch Ann.

[Arthur Morris]

Well done despite the somewhat funky pose.

with love, artie

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Ann, I like these comps with subjects perched high in the frame, and being vertical works even better. A fun pose, excellent plumage detail, and the colours of the BG complement the bird perfectly. Well done on being persistent.

[gail bisson]

What a great time it was photographing this little guy or gal!
I love the BG and the IQ and the tall vertical comp.
Put that on top of the tree for sure!
Gail

[Ivan Sjogren]

I really like this Ann! The layered Background is beautiful and you placed the bird in between the darker parts at the top and bottom. The perch is very nice, I especially like the placement of the feet of the bird. A slight headturn woul have been nice but I'm fine with the pose as is.