The most famous dead tree in the world?

[Randy Stout]

Was at Venice this AM. This nice redbellied woodpecker was pecking at the dead snag tree.

D300 500mm F/4 with 1.4 TC f/6.3 1/5000 EV 0 ISO 1000 Gitzo Wimb V2

The light was pretty hot, but I think the reflection off the trunk acted as fill to even it out. I tried some with fill flash, but not much difference. I wish the head was turned just a bit more our way. I was pleased to see the red eye show up. Wish the vine he is perching on was a simpler and further from his beak. But, I am still pretty happy with this one. Let me know what you think, if you please.

Cheers

Randy

[Bonnie Block]

Randy, I like the clear and bright image of the woodpecker--so many are in the shadows. You handled the light about as well as possible. I also agree that it would have been nicer if the perch was simpler.

[John Blumenkamp]

Great job with that hot light Randy... a simpler perch may have been nice, but I think works well as is with the bird clean against that nice clean sky. Nice one!

[Dave Phillips]

nice one Randy....like that it is clearly showing the "tail as support" behavior.
Nice clear eye

[Kobus Tollig]

Great colour comp and exposure. Well done on this you have done well

[Art Kornienko]

Nice detail on the RBW, the lighting seems a bit harsh, but the bird does show well, agree with a simpler perch.

[Joe Senzatimore]

A simpler perch would be nice. But sometimes that is beyond controll. Bird stands out well and you did an excellent job considering the harsh light.

[Randy Stout]

Peter:

I did brighten the eye just a bit, didn't want to make it look artificial, but I do agree, a smidge more would make it pop a bit more.

Randy