Was out hunting for horned owls a few weeks back (no luck) and came across this male Northern Cardinal perched under a tree. The snow on the ground was acting like a huge reflector and highlighting its head and breast area so nicely. Grabbed a few snaps and off he flew.
Any and all feedback greatly appreciated.
Taken: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Nikon D850 • 150 - 600 Sigma @ 300mm (Hand Held) • ƒ/6.3 • 1/600 sec • ISO 1600
Basic edits and crop in LR
winter shooting in Canada is certainly problematic from a standpoint of the amount of light one deals with. I actually enjoy the glow on the chest of this cardinal. Nice color and detail. The snowflakes in the background certainly add to the environment. If it were mine, I would clone away several of the branches that are a little distracting.
I guess that is the fun of photography, Chris, never knowing what will pose for us. We go out with one thing in mind, and nature provides something else. I love the lighting on this beautiful Cardinal a lot. The snowflakes are a nice addition for sure. It sure would have made it better to not have the small branches, but I know sometimes we have to grab the first few shots, and if we have time to change our position to improve the background, etc., then we do. I am not the best at cloning out, but probably if you can, David’s suggestion could improve this nice shot even more.
Gorgeous capture! The reflected light makes all the difference.
Lovely, Chris. The light reflected onto the breast really makes this image special. I also like the snowy feel to this image. Well done.
Hello, Chris ! As the other mentioned, and rightfully so, the reflecting light makes the image - the red comes out so nicely ! Because of all the branches, it’s a bit busy - maybe you could consider the tree on the lower RHS out , should your ethics allow. Otherwise fine as presented. Cheers, Hans
Thank you @David_Schoen @Shirley_Freeman @Kathy_Snead @Dennis_Plank and @Hans_Overduin for the kind words and great feedback.
I normally like to keep retouching of my wildlife shots to a minimum, but I think I agree with everyone that this would be much more impactful with the distracting branches removed.
Looks like I have some work ahead of me. 
Best,
Chris
Hi Chris
What the Cardinal didn’t stay for it’s close-up. Nice work. I really like the room on the left side of the frame.
Peter Morrissey
Very cool shot. The only thing I would look into would be to clone out that tree trunk on the right. I kinda like the smaller branches all “pointing” to the subject. I would keep them. Just me.
