Willie Wagtail

[Colin Driscoll]

This was a 40 deg C day so the bird wasn't sitting on the eggs but shading them. WW is a flycatcher and they have a cheery little chirrup as they get about chasing insects and yes, wagging their tail from side to side- really swaying their body would be a better description. The nest is spider web and grasses woven together.

50D 100-400 @ 400 1/200 f16 +2/3ev iso400 430EXII -2/3

[Chris Korman]

Colin, thanks for the description of the scene, it really helps a rookie like me. I like the pose the bird is presenting with the slightly extended wings. The only thing I'd tweak is the environment around the nest feels a little too bright, perhaps it needs to be selectively toned down by about 10-15%.

[arash_hazeghi]

nice enviromental shot and good pose, contrast looks a bit funny, I wonder if you appplied some high-light shadow here?

[Colin Driscoll]

Thanks. No its much the same in the RAW image. I think it's a combination of very hard light, pastel shades in the leaves and the +2/3 ev. Probably could add some contrast.

[arash_hazeghi]

adding contrast will sure improve.