Goldcrest

[Sergey Osipov]

Hi all!
This is my first post here.

Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)

Model: NIKON D80
Exposure Time: 1/125 sec
FNumber: F6,3
Exposure Program: Aperture priority
ISOSpeed Ratings: 250
Date Time: 2008:10:07 11:270
Exposure Bias Value: - 0.33 EV
Flash: Off
Focal Length: 300,00 mm
Exposure Mode: Auto Exposure
Focus Mode: AF-C
Lens Information: 300mm F/4.0 D
Flash Used: Did Not Fire

[Fabs Forns]

Nice composition and background. Wish for a better head angle with more facing your way.
Keep them coming :)

[Sergey Osipov]

Hi Fabs,
Thank you for the useful critique! :)

[Gerald Kelberg]

Hi Sergey,

Welcome to the BPN! I saw reference to the Goldcrest in a book today and as I am not a very experienced ornithologist, I wasn't familiar with it. So I was delighted to see this little beauty from you tonight!

I like the composition and the colour balance very much. The lichen on the branch is beautiful as is, of course the main subject. You have probably noticed that around here they like a certain head angle with the bird engaging more with the viewer. Best decide your own take on that.

I do find the broken branch just in front of the bird a little distracting, as are the brighter patches in the background. But is such a delightful little bird that I would still be pleased to have it in my portfolio.

Gerald

[joel quenneville]

Welcome to BPN. I love your lichen covered branch. It is a nice way to include part of the bird's environment without distracting from your primary subject. In this case, I think that the head angle is OK because the viewer still has good eye contact with the bird. Good job.

(Thank-you for posting the tech info. Not only does it help us make relevent comments, but it also learn from your images.)

[Daniel Cadieux]

The lichen on this perch is out of this world!! Exposure and sharpness are bang-on. I agree with Fabs in regards to head angle...but I guess we do have a good view of the crown this way.

Oh, and welcome to BPN! Looking forward to lots more :-)

[Mark Schmitt]

I wouldn't change a thing. Clarity is very good; colour density and tonal range is splendid. This is a very difficult bird to get an image of. It is similar to the Golden Crowned Kinglet, a bird that never stops moving and preferres the deep cover. Did well to get this at all, let alone this good. Keeper.

[Melvin Grey]

Don't change a thing - even if you could - except possibly toning down some of the lighter areas in the BG. If the bird's head was pointing more towards you, as most people seem to prefer, you would lose most of that lovely gold flash! The lichen covered perch is indicative of the shaded habitat of the bird - all in all a really beautiful image.
Melvin