Working on A Better Pine Grosbeak Shot

[Jim Almquist]

Working with some different backgrounds and perch's to get a better shot.

[MN Shutterbug]

I think you can take a break. Your mission is accomplished. I don't see how you could get these much better.

[Dbl]

Great work Jim. These are beauties!

[Spearing Machine]

Very nice Jim!

[Nymph]

That second shot is just killer.The lichens are a little distracting that high on the branch but I love it! way to go, Jim.

[Steve Foss]

Nice work, Jim.

[dockothebay]

Sooooo nice!

[Paul]

If I could throw out one quick suggestions. On the second from the last, there is a hair or somthing that is sticking out the left side of the birds head. A little clone tool would clean that up. It just drew my focus to that little peice briefly. Otherwise absolutley lovely shots.

[Jim Almquist]

Thanks for all of the C & C from everybody. It has been a fun time trying different setups and I still have a few more that I want to try yet this winter. These birds are so social that it is a fun time having them around with there calls to each other and the fact that they like to get close with no fear.

Paul

I don't know the name of those hairs but I believe all birds have them but they are just not a visible on all birds.

John Sikilla remined me of the name of those feathers.

Filoplume Bird Feathers

Filoplumes are always situated beside other feathers. They are simple, hairlike structures that grow in circles around the base of contour or down feathers. They usually stand up like hairs, and are made up of a thin rachis with a few short barbs of barbules at the tip. Filoplumes are generally smaller than semiplumes and are on half to three fourths of the length of the covering contour feathers.

The origins of filoplumes is currently under debate. Some ornithologists disagree with the theory that filoplumes are degenerate contour feathers and believe instead that they are sensitive structures that assist in the nerve endings in the follicle. It is therefore quite possible the filoplumes play a key role in keeping contours in place during preening, display, and flight.

[Birdsong]

Background 3 is perfect for the female. Echoes her colors perfectly. The last female is sweet on you! The purple catch light in the one male's eye is gorgeous. So unusual.