Comment from nature rules
This is an excellent entry into this contest.....as per your notes.. He seems to be wanting to have a stare down with you. This is a really incredible perspective of his face and both eyes...even though they are on the side of his head. And your post processing treatment is perfect for the title of this unusual, red headed crane. Your pebbled, sponged textures is a very artistic choice to create a work of photographic art with this subject. The eyes are clearly in focus and brilliant in color...yet saturation is controlled.

I love the overall coloration of this frame. The grays are all complimentary to his beak. And his white cheek makes him just that as he stares back at you.... just a bit cheeky. :D I love this. A cyber six! And best of luck!

 Comment Written 01-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Nov-2017

Thanks for the cyber six, just as good as a hard coded six! :)

I just like the way cranes, egrets and herons have these wonderful eyes that seem to lock on what they are looking at, normally food!

The sponge filter in PS is pretty interesting, not sure I ever used it before this shot.

Comment from michiganmike
A very fine close up. I am lucky enough to see them every day, but rarely from this distance. The eyes are particularly nice and I think the texture looks good. Best of luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Oct-2017

Thanks, yes I have noticed your Sandhill images for some time now.

Comment from Linda Wetzel
This is so artistic! I love the sponge texture and the details on the crane are just superb. I love the red head and orange eyes. The beak looks as though it is carved of wood.

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2017

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reply by the author on 25-Oct-2017

Thanks Linda for your kind comments and review. Glad you liked it.

reply by Linda Wetzel on 25-Oct-2017

😁