Rose-breasted Grosbeak

[Bill Dix]

Visited a local preserve a few weeks ago, where Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Eastern Towhees reside in summer months. It was nice to see them back. The Grosbeaks in particular seem to favor the higher perches, so this is characteristically a bit of a steep angle; but I liked the image with a touch of spring green. Although this is likely a local breeding bird, I think there was also a wave of migrants passing through the area then. The following day I had one sitting on my backyard feeder.

D500, Sigma 150-600C @ 600mm, ISO 2500, 1/1000s @ f/7.1 manual.

[Jack Backs]

I'm good with the leaves behind the bird. The image would be a little bland without them. I'd remove the small parallel lower branch. The bird is a little soft, from noise reduction I would presume.

[Steve Kaluski]

Nice looking subject Bill and with the HA, I get the impression he was keeping an eye on you, but didn't want to show it. Why such a stark backdrop, is this through PP, could you not double process and have some hint of colour/tone to reduce the white bleakness??? Just curious.

TFS
Steve

[John Mack]

High key works well here with the dark bird. The maple leaves add a nice touch.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Jack, Steve and John. Steve, this is what the RAW file shows when you expose for the blacks on a hazy bright day. A few of the other frames of him had a hint of peachy blue to the sky, and I suppose I could have artificially introduced some sort of tint or tone, but this is how it looked.