I was out at daybreak yesterday morning, and it was cold. Found these guys chillin'.

The Hawk was nestled up high in the tree warming as the sun rose. The GBH I almost stumbled on, as he glared into a pond, not at all concerned about me, but fluffed to stay warm. Its amazing these creatures can stay out in the weather.

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Hi Frank,

#1 will be a little busy for some with all the branches but I like the "framed" opening. # 2 has a nice, early morning chill feel to it. I think a little tweaking of levels/contrast will bring out a bit more detail in the feathers and help give the pic a bit more "pop" while still keeping the chilly feel.

Steve

Frank, I tried shooting some Great Blue Heron's today with little success. Even with a soft, quiet approach they were VERY concerned about me, and let me know it with their quick departures. This GBH's obvious lack of concern was a winfall for you. Beautiful capture here.

The Hawk is also very nice.

Dave I.

Thanks Steve - Great suggestions. Here is another version "tuned" to see the difference. It clearly shows as different, and maybe too much but I am beginning to understand that some of the success of these photos is a function of post production. I remember an Ansel Adams quote something along the lines of, "with the camera I take the picture, but in the darkroom I make the picture". Then again there are those who never have to tune them.

Right also on the hawk. I could not get a clear shot, and settled for what I could get. Also it was handheld and so is soft, but the colors and his expression help. Probably one of those "iffy" shots but was the best of all I took. Tough sometimes to admit the correct shot is not there and wait or move on, but that discipline is one of the defining traits of the pros vs amateurs, IMHO. Really appreciate your helpful criticism.

Franko

Dave, thank you for your comments. I believe this GBH was either too cold to move, or wise enough to know to wait and see if I was worth the trouble to move. I would rather be lucky than smart, though, and I just stumbled on this guy. I looked up and there he was.

Franko