Yellow Billed Cucoo

[Arlon Motsch]

Probably not the best image technically but it's the only one of these birds I've managed to get.
Shot at Pedernales Falls State Park, Texas.



Nikon D90
500mm AF-S
F6.7, 1/1000s, -1 EV, ISO 400
Bird was perched in direct sun and there wasn't much I could do with the harsh light.
One stick cloned out. Maybe need to remove a few more..

[Joe Senzatimore]

Yes , still too many sticks and I think a catch light added would help bring the subject to life.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great find, I like the open bill and eye contact. I would lighten the eye, tone down the highlights, get more details in the shadows (using curves and/or S/H) and the two branches in the lower left could go if that is something you do.

[Aidan Briggs]

I agree with Axel 100%. I would also run NR on the BG, and also lose the green border. Fill flash might have helped here.