Billy Jo
by ace flyman

Comment:
I didn't vote in the challenge but I really like this shot. Your focus is spot on. I'm surprised it didn't do better. I think that your framing might be a little too tight around the head. A little more space would open it up a bit.

Cardinal
by Steef

Comment:
I like this a lot and i think it meets the challenge great!

Wild Red-Tailed Hawk
by scottieham

Comment:

Originally posted by Steef: grats on your awesome score buddy!

Thanks buddy!

Taking Pictures
by Steef

Comment:
Congrats on your top 10 buddy!

Hawk Watch (3 shot HDR)
by Steef

Comment:

Originally posted by Melethia: Nicely real. What's in the tree on the left? And you wouldn't catch me standing that close to the edge with a camera... cameras often distort the where you are bit. I don't have a fear of heights, but I have a fear of falling, and this shot makes me just a wee bit nervous. And why is it people don't like people in shots? I've never quite figured that out.

The angle makes it look like i'm a lot closer to the edge than I really am. There is probably a good 8 more feet of rock before it drops off. The drop right there isn't too bad. I mean I wouldn't want to fall, but you'd probably just tumble into some trees. I believe the think on the tree is someone's backpack. BTW I'm the second one from the right (I guess that's probably obvious by the camera!)

Sparrow
by scottieham

Comment:

Originally posted by MaryO: You've got some incredible reach with that lens/teleconverter arrangement! I know how little Sparrows are and you've got nice detail and sharpness.

Yes they are tiny. Its not as much the reach as I was patient and was able to get within about 15 foot of him. The reach helps though!

Kestrel
by scottieham

Comment:

Originally posted by jdannels: that is just a little dude! Excellent clarity, I would imagine them to be very skittish.

They are pretty skittish. I can typically get within 50 yards of them just walking and then they fly away. I have to try harder to get closer. Its even tougher due to their size because they are really only a little over a foot tall!

Unknown right now
by scottieham

Comment:

Originally posted by MaryO: Looks like a female Goldfinch to me (but don't place any bets on that). Love the little spidery webs; gives a nice perspective on size. Very cool bokeh in back, too.

Thanks :) I like the spider webs too! I don't think its a goldfinch due to the beak though.

Haven't figured out what he is yet
by scottieham

Comment:
I have to put a little more work into the ID, but I couldn't rule out a female common yellowthroat right now. I'm surprised though because I haven't seen any of the males around. I got the chance to watch a pair back in june for a good while and I thought the male was such a beautiful bird.

Juvenile Semipalmated Plover
by scottieham

Comment:

Originally posted by ellamay: nice clean and clear shot, i like no background distractions, tho why a shore bird is on the road vs the shore is a little funny. Well done@

He's actually not on a road. He is on the beach down near the water at low tide so the sand is all flat from where the water has smoothed it :)