This is probably my favourite Common Redstart image from last summer on a typical lichen covered branch of the ancient oak woodlands of west Wales. They are always a great place to visit with the camera as you also have the chance of finding the other two migrant species, the wood warbler and the pied flycatcher.
Taken with 1Dmk2N and 500mm lens at ISO 320, 1/400s, F5.6 and -0.67EV.
works for me - like the colors, composition, BG, and sharpness.
i see the symmetry with the branch on both sides, but wonder whether others would have cropped tighter on both sides.
what to me is really impressive is the focus and perfect depth of field for a 500mm lens at f5.6 - - did you move your POF forward onto the bird's back?
great effort
Very nice. I like the BG and the interesting perch.
I'd be tempted to either take a little from the right, or more likely add a little back on the left to get the eye closer to one of the sweet spots, but that is really minor.
Another vote for the beautiful dark bg - it really makes the interesting lichen-covered perch stand out. Sharp details and a good head angle. I think the composition is perfect as presented. Beautiful capture.