a few recent photos

[Tom Wilson]

Here's a few from the last couple of weeks, that I really like. Hope you like them too...

Common Grackle

Red Winged Black Bird

Forster's Tern

Yellow-headed Blackbird

American White Pelicans

Tom W

[Steve Foss]

Nice work Tom, as always. Thanks for sharing with us.

[mcary]

The Grackle is fantastic Tom! I always thought grackles were interesting, but that photo really does it. It looks like your building yourself a nice litte library of quality images of different species

[Tom Wilson]

Thanks,

Michael

[buzzsaw]

Quote:

---

Here's a few from the last couple of weeks, that I

really like

. Hope you like them too...

---

I like the grackle the best as well, do you have any pictures of those Pelicans turned towards you? It would be great if they were turned a bit more towards you so the shadows would be gone. That Yellow headed BB shot would be my favorite, but that darn Cattail unfortunately really takes away from the picture.

[Tom Wilson]

Agreed on both counts! The Pelicans never gave me the opportunity. The Yellow-headed Blackbird shot, while the cattail is distracting, is still a nice shot IMO, because it is very realistic to their habitat and their environment. I don't get that many opportunities at them, and for the five minutes I was close to him, this was the opportunity he gave me.

Tom W

[buzzsaw]

I hear you, If you had more time in the field you would have sooo many great shots as you have the right equipment and of course are an avid photographer!

[jonny_redhorse]

my favorite is the Tern.......looks great against the subtle blues of the clear sky..........such a sleek streamlined creature.......god did good...... jonny

[Steve Foss]

I like the tern, as well. They are tremendously graceful birds.

If you all haven't noticed, take a look at the way Tom has cropped these images. In every case, he's left space in the direction the bird is facing or leaning. It's a very attractive way to crop/compose, because our eyes want to continue into the space the subject is looking/moving/trending. Generally, though it's a subconscious thing and not quite always true, we feel more satisfied when we're allowed to travel with the subject.

While much about judging photos is IMO, this is a good general rule to follow. I think there are exceptions, though. That's in the eye of the beholder.

And Tom doesn't need to hear it from me, because he knows exactly what he's about. But — since I'm a mouthy SOB — good job, Tom.

[Dbl]

I love that Grackle also. That eye really catch's your.....eye, .

[fishingmike0770]

I totally agree with you steve about leaving space in a photo when you crop. It really leads the viewers eyes and can really complete a photo.

This is one from the other day for another example of cropping.

[Tom Wilson]

Nice shot of a BWT fishingmike. They're not the easiest things to get close too.

Thanks for all the compliments too guys.

Tom W

[Wiskers]

Hey nice pics Tom.. After seeing the Pelican pics, it reminds me. DO you know what that large blade on their bills are for?

I was told because they fly in long lines very close behinde each other and that blade is there so if the front bird stopps too fast the next bird does not go so far up the front birds hind end. Just some bird humor..

[Tom Wilson]

That's what I thought too, so it must be scientific fact!

[jonny_redhorse]

these buffleheads aren't easy to get close too either.lol! (I think they're buffleheads)....... jonny

[Steve Foss]

Nice one, Jonny. Buffleheads they are.