White-eyed Vireo

Gallery: AvianPosted June 5, 2017512 views11 comments

Vireo griseus

The eyes on this species always fascinate me when I see them. It just seems strange to see white eyes on a bird. To my eye the angle of the light has produced a bit of an oversharpened look on the back of the bird, I am curious what others think.

Canon 1DX, 800mm f5.6L IS + 1.4 TC
1/1600, f8, Aperture Priority, Partial Metering
ISO 800
May 27, 2017

Please view the larger image for detail.

All comments and critique are very appreciated.
Thank You.

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on June 5, 2017 at 8:44 PM

That eye is something else! One thing for sure, it does command attention. The back does seem to look a bit over-sharpened, but doesn't really bother me. You might try a very subdued blur brush on a masking layer.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on June 5, 2017 at 8:47 PM

Great looking bird. Background really works with this long lens combo. You asked about the back feathers on the bird. On the larger version, they do have a look of being oversharpened. Guess you could selectively remove some of that sharpening in that area if desired.

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on June 5, 2017 at 10:34 PM

Very nice. I miss this eastern species here in AZ.

I agree the back looks over sharpened as presented.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 5, 2017 at 11:03 PM

A wild eye indeed, Matt. I agree that the back has that look. It's probably amplified by the mixed black-yellow plumage. A very nice image.

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

Comment posted by Ed Williams on June 5, 2017 at 11:04 PM

That is one crazy looking bird Matt. I'm pretty sure it is up to something... This is such a nice clean shot with really nice BG, nice perch, great detail and color. No nits.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on June 6, 2017 at 10:33 AM

That eye really stands out. Nice pose and perch and complimentary background.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on June 6, 2017 at 4:29 PM

Matt, the comp and especially good timing for the pose are excellent. While some might consider full frontal lighting best for birds, I don't totally agree. I think the angle of light here works well to enhance the form of the bird better without compromising the shadows. That critical head turn is killer devil

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on June 7, 2017 at 2:58 PM

I agree with all the discussion concerning the sharpening on the back Matt. What a crazy looking eye, very cool. Great pose and comp too!

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

Comment posted by Shirley Freeman on June 7, 2017 at 3:59 PM

Beautiful bird and a great shot, Matt. I am not familiar with this bird, so I am glad that you explained the eyes.

Registered on May 27, 2017, 77 Posts, 844 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on June 7, 2017 at 6:01 PM

I like the color on this one. The composition is wonderful. You got a nice pose and head turn. With respect to the sharpening issue, some birds just have rough feathers. It doesn't bother me and I have also been criticized for similar problems. In some ways I think it is very interesting issue. Some people are thrilled to see high levels of sharpness while others find this to be a nuisance. Although some of the Vireo species are common to my area, I have never knowingly seen one or at least identified one.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on June 10, 2017 at 6:29 PM

His eye looks huge here, excellent details and a nice bg Matt devil

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