Chaffinches

I was lucky enough to be wondering through some woodlands earlier in the year and chanced upon a bird sitting in a tree. At the time of looking I didn't know what it was. But I quickly positioned the lens on the bird from a suitable distance. It was a female chaffinch...as I was about to take the shot a male bird came in and positioned himself on top. Although the composition isn't the greatest with all the branches I feel the shot is interesting and thought I'd share it with you all.

500+1.4 f8 iso200, 1Dm2n - 70% crop of original shot.

Great action stuff !
Needs a little raising of the shadow areas or maybe just up the gamma till it looks ok.
(That sound very complicated !!
Maybe my monitor.
Good one anyway.
JohnR

Great behavioural image Ian and I particularly like the highlight on the females face. As a stand alone image it could do with more space to the right and John has already mentioned the processing but a well caught bit of action.
Robert

Apart from what has been mentioned, it is a shame about the FG twig, it's a little distracting. Excellent image otherwise and agree about the highlighted face of the female.

Drew

Very nice capture Ian, it's the first shot of mating Chaffinches I've seen.

Andy...

Agree about the composition and processing but a good image all the same.

Nice behavoural shot Ian. Had viewed this on my works monitor and it looked rather dark but pleased I waited to view at home. Agree its a bit busy but they are in ther enviroment after all.

Major.

Well taken shot Ian

Nits covered, it's great to capture this type of natural behaviour, although not easy. Well done.

Fran