Marsh Wren

Canon 5D Mark 1V Processed in Dpp4. Photoshop ,cropped,levels sharpened. clone tool to remove some debris from upper mandible.
Shooting mode AV 7.1
Shutter speed 1/2000
ISO 1250Lens 300 2.8L IS 11
2x 111 converter
Handheld

Kevin, you have a great shot here although I think it does need to little work to bring out the best in it. The background, perch and throat of the bird all look too light for me. Bird's throat in particular is lacking detail and may be close to blowing. However, the back end of the bird in shadow wouldn't benefit from going any darker. So the trick is to play more with your white point to move it out a little and or darken highlights. An alternative is to drop the overall exposure but then you'd need to lighten shadows. These are global adjustments. It might be even better to make selective adjustments on the problem areas, particularly the throat and back end to bring more detail into those areas. Overall, clarity and detail look good to me.

As for composition, I feel there is too much at the bottom of the frame here. You could also consider a landscape crop but that is a personal preference of mine that many don't agree with.

Kevin nice calling shot, crop is fine… I believe you wanted the cattail to lead up to the subject, but the breast area of the bird could use some work.
I would darken the highs a bit and even lift the shadows a tad.

-Tim

I like the crop Kevin but do find the bright areas too bright and lacking detail. Kevin you did great if they are anything like our Wrens they are difficult to catch out in the open with a lovely clean BKG. The calling ,what a song huh, adds for me I think this is really worth having another crack at Kevin to see if you can get those hilights tamed a bit

nice image mate enjoyed this one

stu

I do agree with all the comments. You got a good capture.

A bit of burn and Dodge would really help.

Thanks Tim ,
Sorry about getting back have been so busy. Appreciate the advice.

Thanks Stu, for the suggestions and yes they never stop moving.

Hi Krishna
Thanks for the suggestions hope the vest is working for you.

Hi Glenn,
Sorry about getting back appreciate the comments and yes I tend to like a horizontal format better than the vertical, but in this case subject being so small and wanting to use the cattail as a lead is why I processed this way. I did do some other shots in the landscape view this just looked better.