Common but extremely beautiful

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

As theleaves begin to change the Northern Cardinals begin to get their fillcompliment of feathers and are extremely beautiful. I expect that there will be some out there won’t like this image becausethe tail is hidden by the leaves. Hope to hear what you all think. Shootingdata as follows:
Nikon D3S
2011:10:11 15:20:38
200-400mm @ 550mm
550mm (in 35mm film)
Subject dist: 10.0m
1/160 sec, f/5.6
Mode: Manual
Metering: Multi-segment
ISO: 800
White balance: Fine weather
Flash: Off
File size: 54.9MB
Image size: 1618 x 1294
Color space: AdobeRGB
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Contrast: Normal
Color profile: Adobe RGB (1998)

[Jeff Dyck]

Wheeler - I think "common" is all relative - I've never seen a Northern Cardinal in my neck of woods... The exposure and sharpness of the image is very good, but I think there are a few things that could be improved - it would have been better if the birds head was turned toward (rather than away from) the viewer. The fall foliage makes a nice backdrop, but the clutter masking the birds feet and tail are not ideal - perhaps a tighter crop? (i.e. "cut don't clip")

[Dan Busby]

Great detail and lighting here Wheeler. Nicely done. I would rather have a bit more room for where my eye wants to see the tip of the tail.

[Mital Patel]

Wheeler,

this is superb sharp image. Bit tight in frame but stands out well against busy surroundings.