Female Grackle Near Nest - Recropped

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

SPIWBCHenGrackle
SPIWBCHenGrackle1607×2000 989 KB

SPIWBCHenGrackle.jpg
SPIWBCHenGrackle.jpg1392×2000 1000 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

This is from the World Birding Center on South Padre Island, TX. This female grackle was taking a long approach to her nest and then just disappeared into the reeds.

Specific Feedback

I like the reed wall behind her which is where she has a nest. I like the water that is dark with tanins. I like the cautious bearing with the bright yellow eye looking around to make sure no one is watching. . .
Your thoughts and suggestions are welcomed.

Technical Details

Canon 5DMiii, f8, 1/2000s, iso 2500, 100-400/1.4TC at 560 mm.

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2

Really nice environmental image of this lady.
Lots of elements to add interest here - a nice wary pose, multi-coloured reeds, and a bit of reflection with ripples.
I like this a lot!

3

Great animation and activity. Grackles are so fun to watch, but I’ve never been in a position to get a good photo from the kayak. The plants make a nice frame here and I wonder if a bit off the top might strengthen the composition.

4

Hi Ed. Nice pose in the Grackle and I do like the reeds and the water. However, to me it feels as if there’s a bit too much height to the image, maybe because of the grackle’s more or less horizontal pose. I don’t know if you took this as a horizontal or a vertical, but I think either removing a bit top and bottom or adding a bit to the left would make for a stronger composition.

5

Hi Ed
I like the pre-edit. My only comment would be to give the Grackle tail moor room.
Peter
Ps
The setting you have on your Canon 5DMlll, would be a nice preset on the R5.

1 Like
6

Thank you everyone, @SandyR-B, @Kris_Smith, @Dennis_Plank, and @peter. I made a crop edit based on your suggestions. I know the tail is right on the edge. I could probably add some canvas back over there.

7

Hi Ed, nice catch showing the environment of this bird. More room on the right sounds good. Bird seems a tad soft to me - wonder if the focus caught on something else. Still a nice catch showing habitat. Love the prominent eye.

8

I like the crop, Ed. Nice job.