Song Sparrow

Gallery: AvianPosted January 21, 2015585 views13 comments

A few days ago at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in northern Utah, I spent a couple hours in one spot waiting for a Rough-legged Hawk to return to some of its favorite perches. Fortunately I had some other visitors while I waited, including this Song Sparrow.

I appreciate your critiques and comments.

Cropped to 61% of original (12.2 of 20MP)

1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 500

Canon 7D2, 500mm + 1.4x TC, noodle on car window.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on January 21, 2015 at 9:24 AM

Nice capture here Brian. The sparrow looks sharp and the exposure looks good. My only suggestion is that the background, especially the perch above and below the sparrow, is a little bright. The twig emanating from the back of the sparrow is not ideal, but not a deal breaker. Overall, very nice.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on January 21, 2015 at 11:41 AM

Brian this looks really nice with those almost pastel colours ,that twig does drag the eye a little bit but no big deal, large image does show what a lovely image this is.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on January 21, 2015 at 11:47 AM

I like the monochromatic color palette of this image. Nice pose on the willow. Sure it would have been nice to not have the top of the willow coming out of the birds back, but not a big deal for me as it is a clear part of the willow. I think a subtle vignette to provide a bit more emphasis on the bird might be an interesting option to try. Nice image. Love these kinds of shots.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on January 21, 2015 at 12:27 PM

Nice one Brian, and to me the light BG is not disturbing. Like it

, hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on January 21, 2015 at 9:43 PM

Brian,

This is a nice image and I like the cattail perch and composition. The BG looks fine to my eye

.......................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Sandra M. Apel on January 21, 2015 at 11:14 PM

I really like the soft earth tones throughout the image. The sharpness is is very good along with the pose. I do find the twig right behind the bird a bit distracting. I might consider cropping a bit more from the left to remove the two branches on the edge. Well done. Did you hear the song?

Registered on October 15, 2013, 20 Posts, 171 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on January 22, 2015 at 5:00 PM

Love this Brian. Love the light, pose, head angle and the bits of cattail fluff in the bill. The cattail tip behind the sparrow doesn't bother me a bit because I would expect to see one, in fact if it weren't there I would wonder why.

It was awesome to spend time with you again!

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

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on January 22, 2015 at 5:53 PM

Love the muted colors and the light. Nice composition and a pleasing background also.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on January 22, 2015 at 5:53 PM

Superb details, love the color matching going on and the habitat is sweet. All around great image

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by David Bogener on January 22, 2015 at 7:32 PM

A beauty. The background reeds do not bother me as they are not distracting. Great pose, soft colors, and detail.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on January 22, 2015 at 8:21 PM

I like the overall soft look of this Brian. The sparrow has good detail and the colors are great. The stick coming out of his back is unfortunate but could easily be corrected if you chose. Either way well done!

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on January 23, 2015 at 6:34 AM

Sweet light, and a attractive subject posing nicely for you Brian. Excellent details and a nice feel for it's habitat.

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on January 24, 2015 at 7:04 AM

Great pose and setting Brian. Maybe reduce the brightness a fraction?

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments