Dowitcher on Ice

Very nice capture Jim. The icy background makes the bird stand out. The details is splendid.

Lovely contrast between the browns of the bird and the cold grey of the ice. Great colour and detail.
what exactly does 'usual sharpening drill' entail?

Nice image on unique background, Jim. Sharp and good contrast. If this were mine, I would get rid of that brown spot below the bill as it draws my eye. Probably just personal.

I like t he warm / cool contrast here, it really shows off the Dowitcher's beautiful spring plumage. Gorgeous light and the singing pose is a real plus. I might also be tempted to remove the orange 'dust spot below the bill. Fine shot Jim.

I agree with Ralph and Randy about the brown spot -- I was not expecting to see a dowitcher on ice -- thanks for sharing

Excellent, Jim. Looks like he had open water just a bit earlier-that head looks wet.

I like this scene Jim, simple but striking. The bird really pops.

I agree that the background really makes the bird stand out. I like it very much.

The bird is excellent. I find the details on the diagonal in the rocks to be a bit perplexing. Did you rotate this imaga? Sharon

Added: Thanks Jim, for the explanation...you did say that it was ice...I should have re read your info before posting That explains it! Ice like that must be such a sight...I would have bet the ranch that it was a rock slab!
Again, thank you!

Nice colors of the bird against the grey icy BG - well seen and executed. I may be tempted to cut a little of the upper side of the frame, to have the light strike in the upper left removed. Otherwise fine as posted ! Cheers, Hans

Excellent - very nice seeing this species in such a setting.

Hi Jim, like the unusual setting/backdrop works well and something different from the norm.

Just for continuity and to avoid your eye being draw from the subject, personally I would clone any distracting elements, so the BKG just separates the subject.

TFS
Steve

PS: I do think someone should write a sticky on how to convert for web so files are sRGB considering the time & effort people take to get these shots

I'm not convinced he's singing, I usually don't sing when my feet are cold. I like the contrast between the bird and the ice is too, makes for a unique photo.

A Beauty Jim.

Ken Archer

Unique setting, maybe even unusual. I like the open beak and excellent detail; honestly this Canon shot looks better than the image quality of of some of your Oly photos - no surprise to you I'm sure (this is a complement).

Love this unusual shot Jim. The larger view lets the viewer enjoy the mottled plumage colors with the open calling beak and ice adding to the shot.

I thought the background was granite for a minute. You shots have shown a big improvement in sharpness lately, and this one's no exception. Is everything made of ice up there?

Nice capture Jim. Echo the comments about getting ride of the brown spots, but really a tiny nit. Like the open mouth in this as well.