Prairie Chicken 2

I like the side lighting very much, it's golden tones are gorgeous. For me, never having seen a prairie chicken before, I am dazzled by the orange area, not having a clue what it is! While I took some pretty good hits on not including the whole bird in my shot of a juvenile black crowned night heron, I think you have captured the most interesting part of the pc.
The only thing I might suggest would be to increase your f stop to increase sharpness of the eye. You did get the great catch light. I would be most proud of this image and its' intimate pose.

looks like a grouse crossed with a rabbit, Keith! the light here is absolutely beautiful and I really like the grasses in front of the bird (and the bg too). I'd love to see this as a vertical, cropped near the low point in the neck and with a little more top and bottom if you have it. as is, for me the comp just has a little too much of the body and too little in front, especially given that the body is dark and not really central to the visual interest of the shot (which I see as the great light on the face and grasses).

Prairie Chickens are far from my favourite bird species, but somehow I'm always drawn in by their unique appearance, the rich textures of their plumage and the stunning colours in their neck pouches (I doubt this is the correct term by I'm sure you know what I'me referring to!) and on their heads.

I think the key to photographing these subjects in particular is catching them in golden light, which you always seem to be able to do Dan, and extremely well I hasten to add :^)

Keith, you have some interesting subject matter here and great light. I have to agree with Brian's idea of a vertical. I think it would really pop.

Kieth, there are one of my favorite birds. I grew up watching PC on the Meade Wildlife Management Area near Steven's Point Wisconsin. Thus, I would never get tired of seeing good images of them. I love the light. I agree that less of the body and more habitat out front would make a stronger comp as there would be more well lit areas and less shadows. Overall, a nice shot of a cool species.

Keith,

The light is lovely and works very well with this subject. Love the natural colors and how the bits of grass in the foreground help define a sense of place. I would try to show less body and more space on the left and top if this were mine, just my personal tastes.

I woudl love to photograph this species one day, they fascinate me. Well, if I am honest...all birds do.

Thanks to everyone that has commented. Here's a vertical crop as suggested. I don't have more room to the left and adding canvas would be challenging so I'm not going there for now. I have to agree that this looks good, too, but for whatever reason the original crop appeals to me.

Love that pose

I like both versions, but I am drawn more to the verticle. Either way it's a great close-up, just the perfect head turn for that wonderful side light.

Ken Archer