Nuthatch

I love this image. First of all, I love this bird, which we have at our feeders all the time. And as you imply, they don't sit still very long!

But what I love about the image is how your choice of f/5.6 and 340 mm gave you such an incredible balance between sharpnes of the bird, feathers, and the lichens on the bark agains that really creamy bokeh. The feet, the eye, the beak at right angles to the tree, roughly, with the blue-yellow color contrast. is great.

I also think that the brightness on the tree above the bird helps to pull the eye there first and then the edge of the trunk against the bokeh and the bark act as leading lines to direct the vision down to the bird which is then pointing out into that wonderful blend of color.

To me, it is a moving testament from someone who so obviously loves his or her subjects.

A lovely catch. The BG is a bit noisy and there is a thin halo above the head and beak. I suggest backing off the sharpening some.

Good job getting this little guy, they are a real challenge. I like the contrast in the almost B&W of the trunk and the colorfull BG.It is a strong enough image that it would be worth the work to perhaps try and reduce the noise a bit with further PP.

Lovely image Terry. I like the background, it shows off the nuthatch beautifully.
May