Red Grouse

1D2n, 600mm f4 is, 1/500s, f4, iso 400.

I stumbled across a number of these whilst out looking for something else. I have several close-ups, but I like the way this one popped his head up out of the winter heather. The background is snow reflecting the blue-grey sky. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I keep coming back to it so would value your comments.

LARGER VERSION

I like it a lot Ian but think i would clone out / crop the sky, for me it's not adding anything to the picture

Not my scene Ian but I like this one!
Have a good new year !!
Cheers
John

Thanks guys - here's a version with the top cloned.....

Its nice, I prefer the second one though!

My initial thoughts were that the sky added to the scene but after seeing the repost, I prefer the second version. A quite surreal and artistic feel to it with the bird completely surrounded by the out of focus vegetation.

Second for me. Absolutely wonderful. Hope to see these birds myself some day.

Edwin Kats

I also prefer the second one, but it looks a bit over sharpened to me compared to the soft background/foreground it stands out to much.


liam.

Ian

great shot, I prefer the second version with the sky cloned out.

I would count myself lucky to have a shot like this in my collection

Ron

Love the composition colours,the OOF areas make the image for me, over the last 2-3 weeks you have certainly shown us some of the best wildlife Scotland has to offer and I wished I lived there Lovely grouse photo

Second one Ian for sure. Lovely atmospheric feel.

Pete

Hi Ian,

Really great image, I like the first one myself. I like the depth the grey area gives to the image. Wouldn't say no to the second though...

Chris

Second one Ian for me,works without the blue sky.


Craig
www.craigchurchill.co.uk

Completely agree with the comments expressed above by Chris, I too prefer the first, but would suggest a trim off the bottom.

Like it, made me smile, actually like them both.

Tim

Stunning. Composition is excellent and colors perfectly saturated.

I much prefer the first shot; the second is too grim and lacks the more up-lifting emotional element associated with the blue of the clearing sky.

Second one is slicker in terms of overall image.

Ian

Second for me too. I do agree its a bit grim but a different type of image which works well.

Nice to see something different. Well done.

Hey Ian

Both are really strong shots and whilst the second undoubtedly works better I would always be drawn to the honesty of the first

Good stuff as always and I've no doubt that 2010 will bring more

Andy