It really snowed for the first time since December 10th. The birds were out in force at our backyard feeders. Spent roughly 30 minutes shooting the little guys with my big honkin' Canon 300mm f/4 IS lens.
I really have no idea how this will do, but it`s not a zoo shot. I shot this before lunch on the 24th and had to work until late on submission night and only had a short time to edit and submit.
Here is my take on this challenge. A zoo is a man-made environment. I don`t care if it looks like a natural environment... it isn't. Could the animals fend for themselves if the keepers weren't around? No. Therefore it's not a natural environment. The challenge descriptor clearly states "living in a natural environment".
Going to the zoo for this challenge was an easy copout. Images showing animals in zoos received a -1 from me on their total score.
Statistics
Place: 29 out of 261 Avg (all users): 6.4671 Avg (commenters): 7.7778 Avg (participants): 6.2727 Avg (non-participants): 6.5625 Views since voting: 1790 Views during voting: 456 Votes: 334 Comments: 18 Favorites: 3 (view)
Very good color, clarity and DOF. The composition seems a little unbalanced. The empty space seems in the wrong place in realtion to the subject. Ignoring my opinion, this is great photo, well done!
This is just perfect, yes, it has the "WOW" factor as well. I love everything about this little bird..... It sends shivers down my spine, with the detail that you have captured.....
Man, there are some good bird shots in this challenge! (And this is no exception!) Stunning clarity and wonderful DOF. Love the natural color tones and the warm lighting against the cold background. Outstanding job. Bumping up. 10