Comment from filly421
This is a wonderful up-close picture of the female cardinal.
like seeing her eye and brightly colored red beak, and how we a more bits of red on her head, around the eye and wing.
Nice angle giving us this point of view.
Your focus is very good showing definition to her feathers and the kind of soft texture they have.
Nice to see the hardness of the beak in contrast.
your light is very nice, focusing in on her faces and chest, and having the back and wings in shadow. There's a glo around her that helps to bring her out.
Nice shadow frame.
Good placement in the frame with enough space all around.
skillfully done.

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from blairwacha
Wow, what a stunning shot. You've captured great detail in the feathers and textures of this bird. The close depth of field doesn't allow anything to distract from the subject. Very well done!

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from tinlight
You can see every barb on every feather, and even the ring of tiny scales around the eye. The composition is also fab, with the hard, bright red beak really set off by the black seed and the bird's soft and subtly tinted plumage.
Outstanding work!

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

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

Comment from jerrid
Once again your picture popped up! You already know I love all of your bird pictures! I think you bribe them just to get awesome pictures!
Love the color and how you darken the edges. It almost look like a painting! Good job with this picture and I am very proud of you!

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from kanagraj
Good idea and touch ups. Excellent work and presentation. The drake frame and spot light like effect is wonderful effect. I love it and appreciated / good luck for the contest. Well done.

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from dukesid
Initial impact=5
Creativity of presentation=5
Color Harmony=5
Center of Interest=5
Technical Excellence=5
Lighting=5

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from t mac
love cardinals...i have a few cardinal pics...none this closeup though...this is a really nice pic...everything done right

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from seshadri_sreenivasan
Great looking close-up shot!This is a beautiful shot of the bird. You have timed it well. The light, colour and the composition have worked well. Good luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from amfunny
This looks like a "willie" shot... excellent composition and focus. Good details and lighting. Very well done.

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

Thank you so very much! Thanks for recognizing my work!

Comment from Jake_Miller
Amazing! The only reason I am not giving a 6 star is because I don't have any left. Your focus is perfect and your colors go along great with the other colors and lighting. I like how the background is out of focus so viewers can keep focus on the bird. Amazing job!

 Comment Written 07-Aug-2012

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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2012

Thank you so very much!