Cardinal

Gallery: AvianPosted March 23, 2010173 views16 comments

Yet another cardinal from me! I just cannot resist these gorgeous birds. This is one of my "yardbirds" shot a couple of days ago near sunset , and this particular one has the most beautiful white-washed tipping to many of its feathers. This year I only have 5 males----last year there were 13. The cardinal was my Dad's favorite bird, and I always think of him when they're around, and somehow feel that my Dad is still there looking out for me. Happy Spring Everybody!

50D, 500mm, Iso 400, 1/80, F4 Please see LARGER version, too!

Comments

16 comments

Comment posted by Todd Caudle on March 23, 2010 at 7:49 PM

Man, I wish we had birds this cool around here. Beautiful shot, Sharon.

Registered on November 9, 2003, 472 Posts, 3705 Comments

Comment posted by Clayton Musgrove on March 23, 2010 at 8:03 PM

When I first saw the small image withought reading your post I thought there was something going on with the exposure. But after reading and looking at the large image I see the frosted feathers on this gorgeous bird. I now realize they don't have to be overpoweringly red to be beautiful. It's a wonderful image and I thank you for sharing it with us.

Clayton

Registered on February 6, 2010, 55 Posts, 235 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on March 23, 2010 at 8:10 PM

An excellent capture, Sharon, but I wonder if the reds aren't over-saturated? Was the stick really that pinkish-red? Were the legs that red? Even the background seems to have a reddish tone. Otherwise, very nice.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on March 23, 2010 at 8:28 PM

I like the photo, the crop and the look. But it still seems a little strong on the magenta, not red.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Joel DeYoung on March 23, 2010 at 8:29 PM

Hi Sharon,

Beautiful bird, excellent pose and a nice clean background. I agree with Jim, there seems to be a strong color cast to the image. Other than that, nice job.

Registered on July 12, 2009, 92 Posts, 1074 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on March 23, 2010 at 8:48 PM

Wow, this is excellent in every way Sharon. I think your dad would approve. (Color looks ok to me but I have not seen one in the flesh to compare).

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on March 23, 2010 at 8:51 PM

Very nice comp and detail. Agreed, very strong magenta cast, easily taken care of.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lotito on March 23, 2010 at 9:12 PM

Very nice image and crop. I think the branch color plays tricks withe eyes and make it look like a color cast.

Registered on June 26, 2009, 181 Posts, 1558 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on March 23, 2010 at 10:20 PM

Nice one, Sharon. An interesting variation in the plumage color and one that I find attractive. I like your composition.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Russell Colletta on March 23, 2010 at 11:46 PM

Beautiful subject, equally wonderful story. Thanks for sharing both, and Happy Spring to you too!

Registered on October 31, 2009, 114 Posts, 1008 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on March 24, 2010 at 4:25 AM

I like the engaging pose.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on March 24, 2010 at 8:35 AM

Beautiful pose! I see the majenta cast also.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on March 24, 2010 at 11:47 AM

Nice capture of a handsome bird, Sharon. Good detail and pose, although I'd think about correcting the branch and legs, colorwise as has been mentioned.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on March 24, 2010 at 3:21 PM

Sharon:
Beautiful bird, and I like the pose and perch. The magenta cast can be easily removed.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Mauro Pasquero on March 24, 2010 at 4:03 PM

Excellent shot, Sharon. This cardinal is really beautiful. I agree with the other comments regarding the magenta cast. Perhaps it is due to the sunset...
Mauro

Registered on January 21, 2010, 650 Posts, 2500 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Harbour on March 24, 2010 at 11:04 PM

Beautiful, Sharon. Love the reds of course. Great perch and pose. the pale green bg compliments perfectly. Great shot.

Registered on January 4, 2008, 113 Posts, 2416 Comments