Northern Cardinal

While on a recent trip to Arizona I was able to get out towards Canyon Lake, northeast of the Phoenix area and capture this beautiful Cardinal. He was not very willing to sit still nor was he prone to a good perch for a photo. This is as good as I could muster.

Exposure Time = 1/1000"
F Number = F5.6
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 400
Date Time Original = 2006-05-07 07:05:40
Shutter Speed Value = 9.97 TV
Aperture Value = 4.97 AV
Exposure Bias Value = +0.67EV
Metering Mode = Partial
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 400mm

I do like Cardinals. It would be nice if it were a tad sharper, but having recently tried to do more bird photography, I know that ain't easy. I think a little more pop in the green would add a little zing to this. I like the comp.

It's nice to see an image of a Cardinal posted here, AJ - I grew up with them on the east coast and it's one bird (among others) that I miss seeing out here on the west coast.

I don't always find that you have to get in close to the bird subjects to come out of it with a good shot. These more environmental shots can look more artistic and definitely help us in seeing what kind of habitat the bird is spending its time in.

It looks pretty sharp to me judging by the definition in the beak and eye. And you did well exposing for that bright red which can be all too easy to blowout (especially in Arizona I'll bet!).

Nice looking bird - I like its expression..

AJ,
Me being a St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan since the mid sixties(no, I'm not quite 50 yet ) I probably look at this differently than most people. On the other side, I think this is nicely done. The only thing I may have a slight problem with is the sky. I'm trying to figure if it's an off color clear sky or a dark cloudy sky with the sun shining through to highlight the bird and the branches.

Thanks all. Erik, I know what you are eluding to about the BG in this photo, however, it is not sky, it is the lake as I was shooting down a small hillside next to the lake. Typically, one assumes sky and thus, the color tone is a bit awkward.