Newly Minted Western Bluebird (+revised)

Image Critiques
1

Revised Version

Revision 1 (latest)

Revised version
Revised version2000×1600 1.43 MB

What changed: The suggestion by Jim Zablotny required some microsurgery, but I think it was a good idea.

Added after receiving feedback from the community.

Original Version

Newly Minted Western Bluebird
Newly Minted Western Bluebird2000×1600 1.43 MB

Critique Style: Standard

The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.

Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive

About This Image

This has to be one of the group that fledged 2 weeks ago from the nestbox on our deck. The adults sometimes perch on this branch surveying the field for bugs, and that seemed to be what this one was doing. This is the first I’ve seen of a youngster so far.

Feedback Requested

All comments welcome! A prettier perch in an open tree would be nice…

Technical Details

Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM + EXTENDER RF2x
Focal length: 1000mm
Shutter speed: 1/250s
Aperture: f/16
ISO: 1600

Processing software: LR and PS
Major adjustments: Nothing but minor global tonal tweaks, denoise, very minor branch “cleanup” and a crop to about 40% of original pixels. Foggy morning light.
Blending/stacking:
Other notes:

2

The head turn is ideal and that hint of blue showing against the light yellow/tan BG looks good. I might be tempted to slightly sharpen the top of the bill at the base which seems to melt into the BG and is slightly softer than the other parts of the subject. Other than that, excellent comp…Jim

3

Excellent, Diane. It’s amazing how fast birds learn to forage for themselves. Pretty soon this one may be helping feed the next brood.

4

The original poster added a revised version of their image.

5

Thanks, @Jim_Zablotny and @Dennis_Plank ! Jim, I’ve posted a revision – is it better? I may have subtly changed the shape of the bill. Hard to see where the top edge would have been.

6

Diane, this is a good look at this youngster. It’s subtle colors both coordinate well with and stand out against the background.

7

I think you did change the shape of the bill a tad, Diane, but it works just fine.

8

Gorgeous Diane! What a dang purdy little bird. Love the blues accenting the browns.

If anything, I think your adjustment really helped define the bill against the bg better.

No nits or suggestions

9

Hi Diane, your western juvenile bluebirds look quite similar to our eastern variety. Nice pose and details. Love the glance our way with a pleasing background.

10

Thanks, @Mark_Seaver , @Dennis_Plank , @Lon_Overacker and @Allen_Sparks ! I saw more of them this morning – post coming!

11

Updated version looks good!..Jim

12

Yes, I agree. The revision is a little better. Not that the original wasn’t too bad. But I didn’t notice the subtle change in the sharpness of the beak.
No Blue Jays here at my house but we do have stellar Jays and we’re starting to get some scrub Jays. Maybe I’ll be lucky sometime and there will be a blue Jay

13

Thanks, @Jim_Zablotny and @David_Schoen ! Wishing you luck! (It’s my best strategy…)