THEME: Bronzed and Buff Cowbird

[annmpacheco]

This was taken in Texas last year and the temperature was about 105, we were in a blind and had many visitors to the shallow watering hole. There was only one pair and he briefly did some displaying but she kept walking... I wish the feet were able to be seen but the red dirt is soft and crumbly. I really like the varied colors in the black feather with the standout blue wing feathers. The top of the tail has same blue but unable to see here.

1Dx
600mmISO 1600
5.6
1/800

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

I like the foreground and the colors on the bird, specially the eye.

I would burn the highlights or reduce the highlights which would help the image.

May be have more space at the bottom and less canvas on the top.

TFS

[William Dickson]

Wowsa.....what a great looking BG. The colours are beautiful. The details on the bird look real good with a lovely pose and HA. This is very nice Ann, with the perfect POV.

Good work

Will

[David Roach]

Pretty much perfect for me (no surprise). The highlights work well as they show the sheen you get off of black plumage well. Love the BG and also don't mind color transitions as they are nice and soft. I like the hint of toes leaving impression of red powder below. Would also work as a vertical with some off both sides to emphasize stately pose. TFS

[dankearl]

About the best looking image of a Cowbird I have ever seen.
Seriously, the BG is spectacular and this plain bird looks awesome.
I guess I have no idea what highlights anyone is talking about....
Exposure looks perfect.

[Colin Driscoll]

What a handsome bird and he looks like he knows it, standing tall and proud. Beautiful shot all round.

[greg cowle]

Awesome image - excellent pose and a spectacular layered background.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Ann that's a treat for the eyes! I like everything, being really picky I could suggest lifting some of the darker areas a tad may reveal a little more detail.

[gail bisson]

This is gorgeous Ann. Love the BG and the IQ! I had forgotten all about seeing this handsome dude!
The eye looks great and those iridescent blues are a treat.
Gail

[John Mack]

Great looking bird. The pose is solid. Love that red dirt. Low angle is spot on as well.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Excellent posture by the cowbird. I love the low angle, details, composition. Another vote to town down the very brightest band running across the BG - everything else is just right.

[Mike Poole]

I'd like a tad more below if you have it and a little tone down of the BG highlights. Apart from that its just about perfect, great look at the bird, beautiful feather details

Mike

[Arthur Morris]

It all looks darned good to me ...

with love, a