Bird Cheating?

Guilty as charged! A recent birthday gift was software with bird photo's and birdsong CD's to load into my iPod and play in the field with a mini speaker. Since I'm about as stealthy as a VW bus standing on end, I guess I can justify this setup but it's hard sleeping when the guilt sets in.
"The setup" helped lure several Goldfinch's from their usual trees into my flowering pink dogwood today so I could take a few shots. I thought the finch's plumage would look good against the dogwood.

This image is 85% of original and I added a washed out pink layer to the stark backlit sky to tone it down. I was hoping for more DOF with flower detail but I was too close.

Canon EOS 40D 600mm F/5.6 1/500 ISO 320

Comments and suggestions always welcome!

"All's fair in Love and Bird Photography", isn't that how it goes?

Too me, bird photography seems hard enough that playing bird calls to attract them seems within reason.
Nice shot, it's great that the bird looked right at you. The pink background is fine with me.

I think the color and detail looks great to me too... The calling tactics seem fine to me too.. I'm sure many photographers also use pre-contructed perches and perhaps seeds to lure them in as well, which seems ok to me as well - I know a few how do that too.

I don't think it's cheating at all. In fact I may have to look into this type of set-up as just waiting for a bird to pass or perch nearby seems as effective as a slip-bobber rig in Lake Michigan for salmon. I think there is a fine line of ethical behavior we need to be aware of.
Baiting raptors near roadways = WRONG!!!
Song birds near a feeder or perch = A-OK. This has been discussed in much detail before and that is my assesment. BTW- I really like the pink BG. Nice perch and it looks like he is singing to your Ipod to find a mate. Good shot. BP

Keep 'cheating' for shots like that. I too like the way the bird seems to be looking right at you.

I don't consider pishing "cheating" at all, if done sensitively and briefly.

Sandy R

Ah c'mon Craig... You're attracting birds so you can take pictures... What harm have has been done to the birds? oh maybe you've confused them a little... OMG! how cruel!

OK, sarcasm aside, I don't see a problem with this. Consider that you're shooting them with a Canon vs shooting them with a Remington. I have no problem with game bird hunting, I'm just making the point that there is far less harm done with the camera, vs the shotgun.

As for the photo, I love it. perfect DOF and exposure. A very nice, soft background that compliments the colors of the bird. my only nit would be the large hot spot on the right, but it doesn't ruin the photo for me. Well executed

Thanks to everyone for their comments. While I am very sensitive to how we get our shots and being considerate of our subjects, I have to say I interjected a little more "guilt HUMOR" to give a few smiles. While I am considerate (not my ex-wifes description) I am not guilty.
Thanks again for your feedback. Craig

Fabulous!

Craig nice shot and I appreciate your jocularity also.

This is a beauty of a shot - magazine perfect even. Thanks for the info on how you got the shot.

Kevin

Great mix of color Craig, this one is very nice! My only suggestion would be to see if you could carefully dodge the bird's nape and auriculars, and maybe even the throat and breast a tad.