Summer Tanager

[gail bisson]

I am late for the February theme but found this in my files!
I don't have many images of red birds. Cardinals are a rarity in Cape Breton so I found this from my trip to Costa Rica in 2019.
I do wish the perch was smaller.
Canon 1 DX and 600mm lens.
Cloned out 2 raindrops.
SS 1/800 F 8 ISO 1600
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail

[Jonathan Ashton]

Well focused and sharp, I cannot help but feel there is detail missing in the plumage - possibly due to a slight lack of DOF. If this image wasn't cropped very much - and I suspect was the case, then I would suggest f11 may have been a good idea.
I quite like the perch, as you say perhaps a little large but I would suggest lowering the brightness of the brighter parts I think this makes it less dominant.

[Colin Driscoll]

What a striking bird and really well presented. The perch is fine because it is very large, and attractive. Just an environmental shot.
A tiny nit, I would break the connection between the bit of moss and the end of the tail!

[Randy Stout]

Gail:

Certainly a red bird! I only see scarlet tanagers in my area, but do have lots and lots of cardinals.

The plumage looks OK to my eye. The perch didn't bother me, because of the lichens and such, it really downplays its mass for me.

I do agree with Colin about the tiny bit of greenery connecting with the tail. It does jump out a bit because of its relative lightness compared with the background.

Cheers

Randy

[Paul Burdett]

I like it as is Gail...wouldn't change a thing.

[William Dickson]

Very nice Gail....Love the reds against that BG. The only thing I would change is clone out the bottom RH corner...I think it would take away the 'thickness' from the perch.

Will

[Dorian Anderson]

Yeah, perch is a bit thick but it looks natural and I can't tell if it's a set-up or a fortuitous capture, so that's good. Exposure, color, and detail on bird all look great. A bit more room behind
would be nice, if you have it.