LINCOLN'S SPARROW

Nice and sharp @ I agree the BG is good but the the OOF stem cutting through his tail is distracting

Craig, I like this for the reasons you do. The stem through the tail is not optimal, but it does not bother me at all. A little more light on the tail would have been nice, but I like the spot light on the face it gives the image depth.

Yes, very nice tones to this one Craig. I would perhaps add another round of USM to the smaller version.
Its a good habitat shot as these sparrows like to skulk around in low shrubs and are often found by water like their similar looking cousins the Swamp Sparrow.

Sweet image, Craig. I like the pose and perch and the palette a lot. It looks to my eye as if the point of focus was on the cattail rather than the birds face, so I agree with Nick that a tad more sharpening on the bird might be in order. A beautiful image as posted.

Hi Craig. I agree with Nick and Dennis that the bird is a bit soft, but the cattail is very detailed, so it appears that is where the focus point is. I have seen these at Nisqually a couple of times, but not lately. I do like the pose, setting and light. This has a very painted look to it, which is kind of neat.

A nice "feel" to this image, Craig. I like the earth tones as you mentioned. I really like the pose and perch. Nice detail and catch light. Love your composition. Nits mentioned by others, but I still find the photo very appealing.

Thanks for looking and your comments. A lot of mention on the OOF Stem running vertically "Through" his tail. The stem in my opinion is part of the natural habitat, running behind the sparrow. I was able to check the focusing point on canon;s DPP editing program and the focusing point is just below the chin and centered on the sparrows top most part of his chest.

Craig, I like this for the very reasons you mentioned. I love the habitat included, the light and the sparrow's pose.

I don't mind the stem at all and enjoy that there is another lighter stem on the right side at the same angle which seems to frame the sparrow rather nicely.

Very appealing image as posted.

Craig:
I like what you like about this photo: warm earth tones and complimentary BG. Nice pose and eye contact too.

one of my favorite sparrows with a nice habitat setting--the reeds and grasses do not bother me. I too like the way the bg colors work with the bird. cool shot.

I like the overall colours of this. You might want to do the micro-adjustment test on your lenses.

Beauty pose and an excellent cat tail perch, looks like he's been working at it a little. The stem intersecting the tail is a bit unfortunate but it does lend to the natural feel on the other hand. Well done Craig.

A cute little pose Craig and the natural setting works just fine for me as is. Mostly, I just would like to see a bit more light/detail on the tail and primaries.