Junco+Repost

Gallery: AvianPosted October 29, 201094 views8 comments

Dark Eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

Two days ago I found several of these birds gorging themselves on seeds. They were jumping around in the vegetation and mostly quite well hidden.

I like this image because a large portion of the bird is visible and yet at the same time we can see that it's really quite entangled in the branches.

EOS 7D; 400 mm f/5.6: ISO 400, -2/3 EV, 1/640 s, f/10, image is 11.4 MP after cropping.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on October 29, 2010 at 12:03 PM

Thank you so much for your crop suggestion, Rich. Here's a try at it. I'm not sure about this one.....my idea in the original post is to show the jungle of branches and to allow the viewer to find the bird with a little effort. Your suggestion makes the bird much more front and center. I'll be curious to see other comments on this aspect.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on October 29, 2010 at 2:11 PM

That is a fine shot of a BIH (bird in habitat). I like it very much. I agree with Rich's crop suggestion but I think you took off a little too much. I would also crop just a little off of the top. It looks just a little bit too dark on my monitor.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on October 30, 2010 at 5:14 PM

Steve,

I like how the junco is partially hidden in this image, the nice head turn and the subtle but realistic colors. I'd crop just a small amount off of the left side of the frame of the original image. The second version just feels a smidge tight on the tail to me.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on October 30, 2010 at 11:11 PM

The first comp is unusual in that the bird is looking out of the frame but I think it works pretty well as the eye is at about the 1/3 mark and the plant hiding him is beautiful. I also think the 2nd works but if you have more room on the right I would use it there. Well seen Steve

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on October 31, 2010 at 12:35 PM

Steve,
I don't mind the first comp with the entire "jungle of branches", I like the repost too but with a bit more room on the right side. Very nice work.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on October 31, 2010 at 5:39 PM

I really like this Steve. The repost is even better. I think it is nice to show where birds actually live once in a while.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on October 31, 2010 at 8:42 PM

I like this Steve - the stellar catchlight really helps the eye locate the bird quickly in the setting. I prefer the repost, though perhaps with a slightly less squarish crop.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on November 9, 2010 at 8:13 AM

Great shot Steve, really like the bird immersed in the vegetation this way..
Good interest, nice & sharp. Like both versions equally well

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments