Pine Siskin

Gallery: AvianPosted February 8, 201180 views11 comments

Thought I should give the cranes a break for a while, so here is a Pine Siskin from the front yard. He's on a favored natural perch near the bird feeder, and this was taken through the open living room window. The pale branch behind the bill was fortunate, as the dark upper edge of the bill stands out better than it would against the dark bg.

Your comments and critiques are appreciated. Please view the larger version if possible.

Canon 7D, 500mm + 1.4x TC, couch-pod.

1/800, f/8, ISO 400

Crop to 54% (9.8 of 18MP)

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Craig Myers on February 8, 2011 at 9:58 PM

Great sharpness and dof.

Registered on September 1, 2008, 85 Posts, 757 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on February 8, 2011 at 10:12 PM

The Siskin is quite sharp Brian. The brightest areas are perhaps a little bit over exposed (on my monitor anyway), contrasty light. Portions of the background are a bit too defined for my tastes. My feeders are set up on the edge of a woods as well, the birds like it that way but it is hard to blow the background. I realize I am being very picky of course. I am curious what others think about this point, I want to learn too.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on February 8, 2011 at 10:14 PM

Hi Brian

There is just no justice in this world

This was taken through your living room window, while i stand outside in the very cold winter weather. trying to get a shot!!! seriously, I hope you enjoy your shooting comfort.... the detail and color are great

Albert Darmo. Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on February 8, 2011 at 11:17 PM

Great image of a Siskin. It works really well.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on February 8, 2011 at 11:51 PM

Brian,
Larger version is really sharp. I agree with you on the fortunate background which makes the beak stand out. Nice exposure here with great details and colors. Nice head angle Brian.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 9, 2011 at 12:52 AM

Excellent detail, Brian and I like the lighting.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on February 9, 2011 at 8:33 AM

Couch-pod, huh? How comfy for you. Guess I'm just jealous.
You handled the light very well, as it looks tough here.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on February 9, 2011 at 11:36 AM

Nice capture - I am fine with the BG. These birds have not been to my yard in a couple of seasons.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 9, 2011 at 6:48 PM

Brian,

We don't see pine siskins posted enough in my opinion, they are beautiful and interesting birds. I like how well the bird stands out from the dark background, the pose, the light and the great eye contact. The nice details really show well in your larger version, thanks for posting it. Colors are great, very natural, sharpness looks good.

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

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on February 9, 2011 at 9:02 PM

Brian, I think you've done a fine job on the bird here and I like the background pretty well. I can see Gary's point but for me it's pretty minor, especially since this is a "natural" perch, even though it's near your feeders. I prefer a perch the bird has chosen naturally over one that has been placed in position to get a "better" setting. That's just me.

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 11, 2011 at 3:29 PM

I like how the bird is in the light and with that dark background really stands out, looks great to me as is, well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments