Comment from misskitty
What a lovely shot. The picture is so clear. It almost looks like a painting to me its so beautiful. Nice colors, focus and lighting. Excellent shot :)

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from dodgement
Pristine focus on this one Willie, But I do think its a little on the dark side. Looks like some kind of finch.

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much! The darkness was the intent for something a little different. This is a female Cardinal.

Comment from Faffy
If I had another six star left for this week, it would have been yours! This is one of the most amazing bird photographs I have seen in a long time! The focus on those little feathers is just awesome. The whole shot is just beautiful, the grays and then the bright red beak is so complimentary. Thank you for posting such quality work! (I am a keen bird watcher - so I really appreciate this image)

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much! I have been interested in birds all my life!

Comment from Kizz
Great close-up of a beautiful bird! This is a sharp well-focused image. The feathers, eye, and beak are very detailed. I like the darker lighting for this shot; it's unique. What a beautiful girlfriend:)

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much for a good review and high score!

Comment from qe2 chris
Good shot,Crisp and clear.Wildlife can be a tricky subject.Blurring the background really makes you focus on the subject.

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from Black Tomatoes Inc
Great close up Willie! I think you captured the light beautifully and also did a great job at getting a good close up on the bird. The image is sharp and well focused, making all the cool details on the feathers clear and visible, and the colours have come out beautifully.

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from The Condition Black
Fantastic detail and focus on this piece, very well done. I have seen you do this before and I am quite a fan. What works well too is the fuzzy, soft background. It's low key which helps to emphasize the highlights in the cardinal's face; that helps to bring out your focal point well without creating too much energy in the piece. As a whole it is very soothing and soft in nature, and I think that works quite well.
Great balance, nice composition. You caught and manipulated this into a fantastic work. Keep them coming!

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from photoguy48
Excellent shot. Such great detail as I can almost count the feathers. The red beak really pops out with the gray background. Nice rich earth tones in the bird make this a winner... Very nice!

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from netdweller
This image has amazing detail and beautiful colors - love the background harmony with the subject - perfect initial impact and presentation - deserves a 10 star rating -

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from 4 I AM
Gotta say i love this shot. I'll leave the close up's for you Willie. I lean towards them in their environment which i know you shoot also. This is spot on, and i love the background as well.

 Comment Written 17-May-2012

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reply by the author on 17-May-2012

Thank you so very much for a great review and high score!