Saw several flocks of these east of where I live. They sure have gorgeous songs compare to the RWBB and the YHBB. The shot was taken with the morning light behind my left shoulder.
Beaverhill Lake, Alberta Canada. October 16, 2011
Canon EOS 7D | EF 400mm f/5.6L | Manual mode, 1/1000 sec., f/7.1, ISO 400 @ 400mm
I cloned out several branches around the bird. I cropped a little wider to include more of the main branch, and I know it's probably going to be criticized. Also I wished the head angle to be a little better, like turning just a touch toward me.
I like your crop on this, Raymond. I like the warm light and matching colours of plumage and bark but the contrast in textures. I might reduce the sharpening on the twigs as they are looking a little "crunchy"
I like the crop too Ray, you did well to go wider. Nice looking individual...these guys look better in their non-breeding pluamge IMO. I agree with your self assessment in regards to HA but still not bad as is.
Hi Ray, I like how the blackbird is framed between the two upright 'twigs' and I can see where he got his rusty name from. I like your choice of comp too.
I like the balance of your composition, the blue sky background, and the rusty coloration on your subject. I'm fine with the head angle. I'm a little surprised that the 500mm didn't provide you with a bit more feather detail.