Sunshine Girl

Howard it is interesting that you can actually pick a favorite image for the year from all the amazing images in your gallery, I know the best I can do is maybe a top 20 list of your images. This one would most certainly be on that list right next to 'Flamboyant Flyboy' (see it HERE )
It seems that the years keep going by faster and faster but regardless, I appreciate the inspiration I have felt from enjoying all your images and learning from your work over the past several years.
They are indeed very Man !

Excellent post here, Howard. This is a true study in not only the Cardinal but winged flight and perfect camera stop action shot.

Two points to be made from my perspective, is the catch light in the eye, and the outside upfront wing tip being turned upward.

The catch light always adds life to any subject from the animal kingdom IMO.

The upturned wing tip immediately brought to mind the "winglets" found on almost all aircraft these days. Those items which increase the aircraft fuel performance like most all other flight designs came from avian observations. Obviously this small item seen here makes a point about that very important aircraft add on and now a very standard item these days....


A Merry Christmas to you and your family Howard.....enjoy the upcoming New Year as well.

I like how the wings almost make a complete circle.Very nice.

The intense attention of her expression is hypnotic - and beautifully captured!

She's terrific, Howard. Love the fully spread wings as well as the sharpness on her head, body, and legs.

Howard: While I love male Cardinals I think I prefer the muted colors of the female. This is a spectacular capture and one even a non-bird guy like me can appreciate. I've really enjoyed your images this year and look forward to what you have in store for 2015. >=))>

A striking in flight pose (is there such a thing? ), perfectly captured in nice light, Howard. Have to agree with what Mike said, however. Choosing your best of the year would be quite a "Challenge."

Don't see how this could be bettered, Howard. The fanning out of the wings is amazing. I echo the comment about the hypnotic effect of the head - add the image as a whole !!!!!!

Hi Howard A truly remarkable image. love the dynamic wing patterns. and sublime mona lisa head pose


Albert Darmo
Canada

I can see why this would be one of your favorites Howard - couldn't have been any better if she understood a command to strike a pose I really like the radial pattern across both open wings against a nice clean BG, and of course, the look she's giving you!

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and all the best in 2015 for you and your family