Cedar Waxwing dining in a Hawthorn + RP

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

I was bothered by a branch and removed it. I’m bothered by the ethics of major cleanups, but maybe bothersome BG branches are OK?

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_49A1930-Edit-Edit1937×2000 1.02 MB

Original:

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_49A1930-Edit.jpg1937×2000 1.03 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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Description

I made fewer trips to the “Waxwing tree” this year, as their timing coincides with holiday busyness, and not as much soft light as in past years, but I got several I like. Still slogging through too much stuff with 20 fps bursts and a lot of misses.

Specific Feedback

All comments welcome! I wish the berry didn’t intersect the branch but I didn’t have time to move…

Technical Details

Canon R5, 100-500 + 2X at 1000mm, f/13 (wide open),1/1600 at ISO 1600.

Minor global adjustments in LR (shadows and highlights), into PS for Topaz Denoise and minor BG cleanup. Cropped from sides and a little from top, to about 60% of the full frame.

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1 Like
2

I do not have a good waxwing tree near me and the robins wolf down the limited supply of crab apples. I normally do not like hard shadows, but in this case they create some interesting patterns on the waxwing, I might enhance the contrast a bit and see what that looks like. Pose and hawthorn getting ready to go down the hatch make this a special shot…Jim

3

Nice catch on the twig going straight out of the frame, Diane. I think the shadows on the waxwing are rather interesting, so they don’t bother me (and they’re fairly soft). And you caught that special moment again.

4

Thanks, @Jim_Zablotny and @Dennis_Plank! This was one of the days when soft light didn’t materialize but the birds did. I have deleted (or not even shot) hundreds of chances due to harsh shadows, but I did rather like the patterns on this one. I softened contrast about as much as was practical and decided it was OK.

5

Good one, Diane. I think the shadows are fine. That’s some lens you have!

6

Another good example of the 100-500.
On close-up, I like the crisp detail on the waxwing. It looks like he his catching the berry in the air. I see why you removed that branch. I also like the shadows.
I think I would have removed the oof branch behind his tail. Ethier way still a great shot.
THANKS

7

Thanks, @Don_Peters and @SkipsPics! Don, I LOVE that lens. A few years ago I never would have dreamed of having a handholdable 1000mm lens! (Although with these birds it’s on a tripod so I can do bursts to catch the action, and to prevent the fatigue that compromises sharpness.)

John, after grabbing a berry they hold it a second (giving me a chance to get on it) then toss it to catch it farther back in their throat to push it down with their tongue. GAG!! The larger Robins mostly just grab and gulp but sometimes I’ve gotten a toss. Hard to get it in midair though with any of them. At 20 fps it’s usually touching part of the beak. It’s very fast.

I always love the OOF branches so tend to leave them. I could prune that one though – it is bothersome to others? When you like something it’s hard to be objective.

8

Wonderful moment you captured Diane! A real beauty of this extremely photogenic bird with the berries. Glad the eye is not covered with the shadows. A striking image.

9

Thanks for the bird info. I don’t think I have ever seen one. It’s a beautiful bird. Like @Allen stated, extremely photogenic. I do like the pose.
THANKS

10

Thanks, @Allen_Sparks and @SkipsPics! There were a lot fewer Waxwings this year and a lot more Robins. After they pick this tree clean I don’t know where they go, but I suspect they find lots of missed grapes in the huge acreage of vineyards around here.

11

I like how you caught the small red marking on the wing here, Diane. The oof branch behind the tail bothered me a bit, but I can be too picky. Another successful Waxwing shot.

12

Diane, this is a really excellent image, of an icon that’s probably on everyone’s wish list. The pose and berry-toss are sweet. I think the shadows add interest.
As far as your thoughts on cloning junk out, removing an errant branch that detracts too much is fine, imo; Just disclose.
I actually have a web cam on our patch of hawthorne in the front of the house. (Most windows are toward the other side) so I don’t miss the robins and - hopefully - waxwings. Lots of robins so far, but no waxwings yet. Still hoping…