# California Scrub Jay **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** birds\ **Created:** [February 15, 2025, 6:29pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/california-scrub-jay/45452 "2025-02-15T18:29:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Allen\_Brooks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_brooks/32/390_2.png) [@Allen\_Brooks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Brooks)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 6:29pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/california-scrub-jay/45452/1 "2025-02-15T18:29:51Z")
![California Scrub Jay-NPN.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/e/5/e53edc0872b2a149f44148ad951da8aa3e1b2a94.jpeg) > **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_ > > The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image. ### Description That birds are descended from the dinosaurs seems more evident in some birds than others and the Scrub Jay is one of them for me-I can picture its great-great grandfather velociraptor in this image. ### Specific Feedback Any thoughts appreciated. ### Technical Details Canon R5; 100-500 with 1.4 TC at 700 mm; 1/500 at f10, +2/3 EV; ISO 800 * * * ### Critique Template Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas. - Vision and Purpose: - Conceptual: - Emotional Impact and Mood: - Composition: - Balance and Visual Weight: - Depth and Dimension: - Color: - Lighting: - Processing: - Technical: ---
**Author:** ![Kris\_Smith](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/kris_smith/32/59826_2.png) [@Kris\_Smith](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Kris_Smith)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 7:29pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/california-scrub-jay/45452/2 "2025-02-15T19:29:24Z")
Not sure that velociraptors had such adorably floofy butts, though I do see what you mean and agree that some birds evoke dinosaurs more than others. That direct stare would be most menacing if I was a bug or nestling. The colors and textures look fantastic, too. Is this a very big crop? The eye looks a tad softer than some other bits and so might have locked slightly off line. A fun and energetic image though. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morrissey](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/peter_morrissey/32/683_2.png) [@Peter\_Morrissey](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Peter_Morrissey)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2025, 8:33pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/california-scrub-jay/45452/3 "2025-02-15T20:33:24Z")
Hi Allen I am just glad Scrub Jay is only a few inches high. Great feather detail and eye contact. Peter ---
**Author:** ![Diane\_Miller](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diane_miller/32/27391_2.png) [@Diane\_Miller](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diane_Miller)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2025, 4:03am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/california-scrub-jay/45452/4 "2025-02-16T04:03:00Z")
Very nice sharpness and detail with excellent colors. I love the natural-looking complexity of the perch and the lovely BG. He is mooning you. Without a doubt. ---
**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2025, 4:21pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/california-scrub-jay/45452/5 "2025-02-16T16:21:25Z")
Very nice, Allen. I like the head turn with the direct look a lot. Nice perch as well. ---
**Author:** ![Karl\_Zuzarte](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/bbce88/32.png) [@Karl\_Zuzarte](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Karl_Zuzarte)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2025, 5:01pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/california-scrub-jay/45452/6 "2025-02-16T17:01:43Z")
Personally I like this a LOT! Subject is so nicely engaged with you - love it! minor distraction - the two leaves at the bottom - lighten then a little perhaps ? ---
**Author:** ![annika](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/annika/32/75427_2.png) [@annika](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/annika)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 10:50am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/california-scrub-jay/45452/7 "2025-04-12T10:50:34Z")
What a beauty! Love how it looks at the viewer, the sharpness in the bird, and the soft background. Nice color palette.