Beautiful image Brad. Yes, you have nicely portrayed its world. Beyond that what I like in this image absence of interaction between the bird and the photorapher. Traditional approach to bird photography is getting that catch light (of course I did lots of such images in the past) where in bird spares a second to look at what the photographer is upto and it is exactly at that moment shutter is released. In my view when such images are viewed it creates an interaction between the bird and the viewer which makes it difficult for the viewer to stay completely outside the image. Personally I don't like that subtle interaction between the bird and the viewer that gets created due to much sought after catch light. When the bird is not directly looking at the photographer it helps viewing experience in terms of eyes freely moving across the frame to see the context around. If the bird was looking at you for example in the case I tend to think context would have become weaker. Not sure whether you agree! BTW, those white spots on the leves add a lot to the frame.

Thanks for sharing..

I completely agree with Ganesh. Not only has the habitat been perfectly portrayed, the birds mood is making this image go so well. Lovely exposure and lovely colors.

Hi Ganesh,

Yes, more often than not I prefer to create wildlife images where the subject is interacting with the non-human environment, and not looking directly at the camera. When I do have the subject looking right at me I prefer to be in very tight and frame the image very tightly - largely because so many species of wildlife have such beautiful and compelling eyes! Regarding your comment about capturing the catch-light right when the bird is looking at the photographer: As you probably remember from previous exchanges we've had, direct frontal lighting (which is you need to have catch-light when an animal is looking at you) is probably my least preferred lighting regime - thus, by default, I tend to avoid the types of images you discuss. I normally seek side or side-back light as much as possible - so I don't even normally have the option of capturing the catch-light with the subject looking at me!

So...we're definitely on the same page, but not necessarily for the same reason!

Cheers...

Brad

Fantastic image Brad. Another image which I have always admired on your site. Your words - "enough contextual information to accurately place the bird in its preferred habitat" coupled with this image makes a lot of sense to all of us and great learning here. I too agree that off late it's becoming so commong of completely OOF BGs of birds and definitely human eye doesn't see it that way. Another winner all the way. Thanks for sharing your best images here.

Regards,
Pramod.