Northern Parula

[gail bisson]

Back to my warbling adventures.
I am really pleased with this one because I did not use callback or audio. These birds are nesting now, so I put the tape/Iphone away last week.
I saw the parula in the tree and waited/followed it in my car until it landed on a nice perch. I was really happy when he decided to sing.
Canon 1 DX3, 600mm and 1.4x
ISO 1250 SS 1/2500 F 6.3
About 75% FF
Nothing added or cloned. Usual sliders in LR CC and NR to BG using Topaz DeNoise. I did not sharpen the JPEG as it looked too crunchy.
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail

[Bill Dix]

Great singing pose, which I can hear from here. Good comp. Great light and detail. The oof leaf that partially covers the sharp leaf in the LLC is unfortunate but minor. Of course it's always nice to see the lovely chest markings of this species, and some eye contact; but it's also nice to get an alternate view once in a while.

[David Roach]

Really love the calling pose and details. Light was slightly harsh and you handled it well. Probably the reason it looked crunchy when sharpened. You chased this beauty in a car... Then reacted fast enough to create this image when good perch ( and I do like the perch) was chosen... True zen bird photography and I see why you're really pleased. TFS

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hmmmm, chasing birds in cars, LOL. Wonderful image Gail, love it. Beautiful bird, nicely shown. Thank you for sharing.

[John Mack]

Love the pose and the setting. Framing is nice as well. I do the same thing with my car.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love the great look at the olive-yellow patch on the back. Good calling pose too. Of course it could not perch a measly inch higher to uncover the foot!. The oof leaves are a nice touch.

[Brian Sump]

Gail beautiful bird and great pose. I too am learning the prized value of feet in an image ;-)

A couple very small suggestions - you might be able to apply the blur tool effectively to the end of the leaf to soften in a bit or mask and blur that way. It would be hard for most to know it's not out of the focus plane that much. Also, could maybe apply a touch of smoothing to the blurred branch or whatever was in the upper right area.

You crush perched birds, tfs!