Female Northern Flicker

[Anita Rakestraw]

I took several photos of this flicker who was fairly cooperative. In probably the best image technically, she was simply on the ground in the grass, but I chose to post this version today....pretty hard to get all the identifying marks in one pose, isn't it? I have a nice image showing the red "V" on the back of her neck, but of course, no face!!

I know the light direction wasn't ideal on this one, putting her face in shadow, which I lightened some. I also removed a large oof forked branch from behind her.

1DMkIII, handheld
100-400mm IS @ fl 390
ISO 400 - f/5.6 - 1/3000
Exp. comp 0
3/25/08 midafternoon

Comments/suggestions welcome!

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Anita You did well with the PS work I like the branch eviction !!!! As presented would remove some from the back and clone out the trunk on the right It will move the bird further left A lower angle is something desirable to you get them where they are

The overall feel for an image made in the middle of the day is very good !!!! Just imagine if you were out looking just before dawn !!!!

Made some of the suggested changes including adding canvas Did so to try to include the virtual tail !!!

[Anita Rakestraw]

Ah, yes, the virtual tail - I forgot about that! Thanks, Al. I will have to try some early morning (dawn) images one of these days. I realize that will be necessary to get more dramatic images.