Surprise Warbler at My Backyard Set-Up

[Melissa Groo]

Canon 7D
500mm
Gitzo/Wimberley

ISO 500
1/50 sec
f/8.0

A couple days ago was set up to get some shots of a juvenile cardinal I've been working on, but had walked away from the camera. Looked out the window at one point to see what looked like a warbler darting among the branches I've located near my feeder, looked like it was going after insects. I ran over to the mounted camera aimed out the window, and fired off a couple shots before it took off. Turns out it's a female BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. I know the head angle is not ideal, but I liked the nice view of the markings from head to tail and thought she had such delicate beauty. I was stopped down a bit more than I would have been, as the cardinal seems to require it, and so SS was quite slow as light was pretty low.

Is a pic like this worth keeping even though head not angled toward the viewer? Would like to know what others think.

Some crop for comp, slight sharpening, NR of BG. And slight lightening of a couple spots in BG.

Thanks for looking. Appreciate any and all comments/critiques.

PS Just renewed my annual membership to BPN today, been one year on here. Best $20 I ever spent! Thank you so much to this forum, its originators, moderators, and members.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for your kind BPN words :). I'd keep it even with the less than ideal HA. It could stand some additional sharpening. It is a beautiful, beautiful bird. I am not to good at ageing warblers but I would think that this is a young bird.... You might be seeing these for another 4 to 6 weeks at least.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

I'd keep it at least if and when you get another chance and a better shot. I really like the bg and the soft colors of the bird.

[Melissa Groo]

Thanks for the feedback, Artie and Cheryl. I am posting a further sharpened version, that I also cropped a bit more. I think it's an improvement.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I too would keep this even with the said HA. I've got many images that I find fault with but that I like for a number of reasons. I do prefer the original crop as I find the warbler at an ideal size in that frame (plus the bottom twig at lower left has some room to breathe).

I'm glad you like BPN Melissa! Your contributions here are much valued

[Pieter de Waal]

Hi Melissa , a lovely little bird and an image I would keep. Love the soft light , perch and pose of the bird.

[Arthur Morris]

Much better. Rumor has it that Photoshop CS-14 will have the new Head Angle Tool.....

[Melissa Groo]

Thanks Daniel and Pieter and Artie! Artie, you are too funny with that "CS-14 HA Tool"!

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Mel. I try

ps: Is Mel OK?

[Melissa Groo]

Mel ok for sure! I do have friends that call me that....

[Arthur Morris]

Okie dokie Mel. Do you own all those diner's in South FLA?

[Melissa Groo]

Ah if I did I'd have your lens!

[Arthur Morris]

Good one. The food at the one in Fort Myers is OK if you are really hungry....

[Melissa Groo]

Good to know. I'll be in Fort Myers in feb and will check it out!