Woody

[Allen_Brooks]

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

For me, the Pileated Woodpecker has been a rare, but welcome, sighting. Was out for my morning walk and heard a loud drumming in the trees and wondered if this could be Woody. Finally spotted him and chased him around. These were my two best images in somewhat less than desirable conditions. But, I’m happy with pretty much any image I can get of a Pileated Woodpecker.

Specific Feedback

Any thoughts appreciated.

Technical Details

Canon R5; 100-500 at 500 mm; 1/1000 at f7.1, +2 2/3 EV; ISO 3200/5000.

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[Dennis_Plank]

A bit of a steep angle, but that’s certainly not uncommon with this species. Looks like you had fog. Hopefully, it will hang around the area. I’m not sure it would do any good, but you might select the bird in the second image and try some dehaze. I really like the winter plumage pattern on its breast and it would be cool to see if you can tease a little more texture out of the rest of its plumage.

[Allen_Sparks]

Hi Allen, agree that pretty much any encounter with a pileated is special. I love seeing the details in the head and the color also. You seemed to have handled the tough shooting conditions well.

[framingtheuntamed (Christine Dorrestein)]

Nice captures! I agree with trying to dehaze a little.

[David_Schoen]

For me, the second image is as good as it gets for palliated woodpecker. I have the same problem when I see them, which is probably once or twice in the last 25 years. Good detail.