Golden Fronted Woodpecker

[Paul Kammen]

While in one of the blinds at South Llano River State Park, a golden fronted woodpecker flew in; first time seeing the bird and kind of liked his pose on the tree.

Nikon Z9, 600 f/4 TC VR S, 840mm, f5.6, ISO 2000.

[Brian Sump]

Hi Paul, it appears you got fairly close to this guy.

Despite a little business in the upper right, I think the capture could work with a little looser crop. Give him some canvas to look into but going taller but pan out, or goin more traditional.

I also feel like there's a strong yellow hue on this one.

[Dorian Anderson]

SLRSP is a good birding area (south of Junction) and a traditional spot to find Black-capped Vireo.

As to the frame, the alert pose and eye contact are great. However, the square comp is wonky, the bird is way too tight in the frame, and everything has a strong yellow cast. The bird is sharp where it need to be (on the face), so I think
it is worth revisiting the crop and white balance to salvage this shot. I would also try and lift the blacks -- and especially on the tail -- because the whole frame feels heavy/dark.

[Jonathan Ashton]

I have little to add, I agree with the previous comments, I am guessing there was a reason for the square crop but if practicable I would consider a portrait crop.

[Paul Kammen]

Appreciate the input, here's another...slightly less crop and worked on the white balance a bit.

[Arthur Morris]

As far as the color and tones, the repost wins by six miles. The first one was way too dense and dark. I'd lose the whitish smudge on the left frame-edge.

with love, a