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Red-bellied Woodpecker
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Red-bellied Woodpecker

by John Kerr

Gallery: AvianPosted February 11, 201078 views5 comments
Photographed this guy last weekend. He stayed hidden behind this tree, occasionally peeking around at me. I couldn't get a full body shot but I thought this was a pleasing composition. What are your thoughts?
Aperture Priority with tripod, 1/640 sec, F8.0, ISO 200, Canon 70-300 @300mm, heavy crop approx 60%.
Large version added.
Thanks for looking and all C&C Welcomed.

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by dan elster on February 11, 2010 at 6:06 PM
A nice composition although I wonder if leaving room for the "virtual tail" would have been beneficial. I'd be tempted to sharpen this a bit more. Nice shot.
Registered on September 23, 2005, 299 Posts, 2443 Comments
Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 11, 2010 at 6:34 PM
Nice shot John, I'd agree with Dan in leaving more room for the tail. The crop is showing some here in the lack of detail so it might help with that as well to have the bird smaller in the frame. :toast:
Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Dubois on February 11, 2010 at 7:26 PM
I like this pose John. The peek-a-boo effect works well. I agree with Dan and Nate about the crop and with Dan about a bit more sharpening of the head.
Registered on February 22, 2005, 129 Posts, 4739 Comments
Comment posted by Joe Paratore on February 11, 2010 at 7:49 PM
John the shot of the male is nicely done.That is typical with this species .Playing hide and seek.They are a very warry bird
. I am somewhat troubled by the long limb behind his beck running out of the frame. My eye
keeps wanting to run out of the frame with it..
Where in Michigan are you from ? perhaps will meet on the trail someday.

Registered on January 31, 2007, 40 Posts, 160 Comments
Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 11, 2010 at 9:08 PM
John,

I like the peek-a-boo look you appear to be getting from this woodpecker and the nice view of the eye.

I think the crop suggestion of leaving room for the virtual tail would make this image stronger. As would a touch more selective sharpening.
Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments