While leading a photo workshop we had some great action with a family or Red-shafted Northern Flickers. The male and the female came to feed about every 4 minutes, and the two chicks, one male, one female were always ready to eat more.
The nest was about 20 feet up, so it was a bit of a challenge to get a good angle, so its not too steep. Aimed for good eye contact and head angles from both dad and son.
Great pose and technicals. I especially like the patient, mildly exasperated expression on the parent's face as the child screams. The grey splotches to the left of the adult bird's rump and shoulder are a little distracting, and might be cloned out.
Nice exposure, sharpness, and, especially, baby bird. Great shot, overall. Greenery and white blobs against the tree are a bit distracting, and could probably be easily dealt with. I would also crop looser or add canvas to left and top. These vertical shots of flickers and woodpeckers make me dizzy at the best of times, moreso when they're cropped a bit tight.
Given a 20 foot nest, you did well. The angle is a tad steep, but under the conditions, I like it. Not bad detail for 1/160, I assume PS or LRII were used to bring out detail.
The light looks great, what was the time of day? Great nature moment, thank you for sharing,
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 06-27-2009 at 03:19 PM.
Red-shafted Northern Flicker at the nest
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