Pine Siskin

[Stephen Stephen]

Canon 40D, Sigma 50-500mm at 500mm. ISO 320, F6.3, 1/640 sec, no flash. Handheld and cropped to ~80% of full frame. (The feed is just off the left edge of the frame)

I created this image last May while visiting my parents in New Brunswick. My dad hangs a Niger feeder beside his deck so I was eye level with the birds as they fed.

I liked the colours of this bird in the afternoon light. I would have like a better head turn but this was the best that I got when he wasn't stuffing his beak with seeds.

[Julie Kenward]

This is really beautiful Stephen. The color of the BG is so complimentary to the bird's plumage that the whole image sings. Very nicely done.

[Gus Cobos]

Nicely done Stephen,
I like the colors and details in your bird. Placement in frame is right on; and the background compliments your subject very well...congrats...:cool:

[Joanna Trescott]

Very well done! Love it.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Light, eye contact and BG are very nice. I might sharpen the bird a bit more, add a tad more room at the left and wish for a bit more head turn toward you.

[Lana Hays]

Stephen
My first impression was what Axel has stated. I've only had Pine Siskins at my feeder once....last year for a couple of days. The weather was dreary and I never did get any images. Well done getting this one, even if he didn't turn his head more.

[Stephen Stephen]

Thank you Julie, Gus, Joanna, Axel and Lana for your comments. As I mentioend in my first post the bird was right against the feeder so I chose to crop the image as you see it now. I could leave a bit more room but I would have to clone out the feeder which I don't feel would add anything to the image. Perhaps I'll try that and do a re-post.

[Laura Hughes]

A very lovely Siskin, colors are so rich and warm, head position works fine for me, a nice profile showing.